Tt^MA 



AND OTHER POEMS 



E-T-WIIIF 




Class 



Book __Jili<Ti 
CopyriglitN!'...^^..^. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



TAMAR AND 

OTHER POEMS 



BY 

E. T. WHIFFEN 

11 




BROADWAY PUBLISHING CO. 

835 Broadway, New Yoek 
1914 




/ 









COPTKIGHT, 1914 
BY 

B. T. WHIFFEN 



JAN ~9 1914 



©CIA362176 



CONTENTS 



poem page 

Samson Marrying 5 

Samson at Timna 47 

Samson Hybristes 89 

Samson Blinded 132 

Dinah 174 

Jephtha Sacrificing 224 

Tamar 265 

Ode : to Intellectual Freedom 312 

The Sun 314 

To A Lily op the Valley 316 

Fortitude 317 

The Hermit Minstee.,. , 317 

In Peace 318 

On the Times 318 

On the Same 319 

On the Russian Massacres 319 

The Fairest Rose 320 

False or True 320 

My Love is Young » 321 



Tamar and Other Poems 



SAMSON MAEEYINa 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Samson", having espoused a woman of Timnah, de- 
parts to that place with his father and feastful friends 
to celebrate the nuptials. During the last day of the 
marriage-feast, the solution of the riddle put forth be- 
fore by Samson is earnestly sought by the bridal cour- 
tiers, who form the chorus, assigned from the Philistine 
youth. Samson's father, ill-treated by them to force the 
secret, departs home-ward in anger, accompanied by the 
friends of his nation. At last the bride, having wrested 
the secret, reveals it to the chorus; whereupon Samson 
departs to Ascalon, slays thirty, and carries their gar- 
ments to Timnah as the wagered forfeit. A messenger, 
coming in shortly, tells the story of Samson's perform- 
ance ; whereat the chorus bewail their nation's loss, and 
threaten vengeance upon Samson: which concludes the 
drama. 



THE PERSONS. 

SAMSON". 



Manoah, father of Samson. 

LiLiTH, Samson's wife. 

Messenger. 

Servant. 

Attendant. 

Chorus of Philistines. 

5 



6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Tlie Scene, at Timnah. 

Manoah. With wavering hope and doubtful resolu- 
tion 
Of what before so oft by me essayed, 
I have drawn thee to this place, where friendly silence 
Will not inform against us, nor espial 
Descry our posture and close secrecy 
Here at this vacant hour of morning prime, 
Samson, once more,, ere lastly thou determine 
That marriage to thy country's foe conjoined, 
This daughter of the Timnian infidel. 
If supplication and a father's tears 
May bend thy purpose, ere, too late, achieved 
Thy own undoing and thy countr/s shame. 
Too well against thy mother's wish thou knowest, 
And mine express, these bonds consummated ; 
Hence I could well desist my vain attempts 
To move thee, as heretofore, could I my auguries 
Draw from successes past, or yet my heart 
Forego the dear regard which yet it bears thee. 
Then canst thou yet respect a mother's tears 
And these hoar locks, that plead more loud than words 
How vehement, as in our laws enjoined, 
To leave thy purposes, yet unperformed ? 
I could be well content, with this regard, 
The marriage-ransom given to forego. 
And willingly, no, glad to scape so quit. 

Samson". Father, break off; since, though the love I 
bear thee 
In measure as our near relation ask, 
Yet herein, as I thus far have begun. 
So shall I finish, cast in heart, be sure, 
To cross thy hopes, or disappoint thy purpose; 
But higher inspirations from above, 
Promptings divine, compel me, else unwilling, 
Into those paths, which else I should abhor, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 7^ 

If to my own free counsels left inclining. 
Otherwise never should I so persist 
To disregard that dear respect of love 
Which links me to thee, nor so far presume 
Apparent disrespect and seeming lack 
Of duty, with bold deed, to all appearance 
Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
And wishes to my parents thus opposed. 

Manoah. Consider, son, ere thou decide, while yet 
The thought is umpire to the pondered act. 
Lest thou too late the rash decision rue 
After decree gone forth beyond recall. 
Though I thy honesty of heart misdeem not. 
And forward purpose, yet thus far I question, 
Though not thy prompting, yet the motive to it, 
So main against our customs and our laws. 
And other reasons, also, I adduce. 
For know, not unannounced, as ordinary. 
Thy birth ; but the high messenger of heaven 
Foretold thee to thy mother in the field. 
There as she sat reclined after the day. 
To me the angel also was revealed, 
"Who, to confirm the message high imparted, 
Rode up in flames from off the burning altar. 
After conception sure of him designed 
To free his country, break her enemies. 
Of this no question can arise, for plain 
The omen ; but this other that thou sayest, 
In this may not some error lurk ? since doubtful 
The mind of man, and full of wandering ever. 
And ever least assured of highest purpose, 
Then most uncertain when most certain deemed. 
I question not thy honor, but I question 
Thy immaturity, experience, youth. 
These must weigh some with thee ; let also weight 
Thy duty and thy service and thy love. 
Shalt thou not be surmised of othei parents. 



8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And not from us derived, as now reputed. 

If to our wishes thou oppose thyself thus ? 
As thou art known my son, desist thy purpose. 

Samson. Father, I do acknowledge thee my sire. 
And in all willing duty have I served. 
Even unto this, my parents ; but herein 
The voice of God so plainly in my ear 
I cannot but regard ; for not through love, 
Weakly by passion moved, have I urged on 
This marriage, but from thence that I might find 
Hostile occasion on them who oppress 
God's people, and his deity despise. 
And this not all; for, while as yet a child, 
Heroic thoughts flamed at my heart, that I 
Should Israel from Philistian yoke redeem. 
The task whereto I was divinely set. 
Which task enjoined, and with high purpose cherished 
Through all my years, the rudiments laid down. 
With ripe determination now I enter, 
^NTothing to be deterred from this great end. 
Whence now begins this mission, thus esteemed 
And purposed, from this day and from this deed. 
Herein if I should fail, or now draw back 
From this great entering, should not also fail 
The glorious task on me by Heaven imposed. 
To set my people free? Kot to be thought. 
No ; though in this naught but regretful sorrow 
To cross thy hopes I find, yet so the more 
Myself should I misdeem, herein should I 
Waver for parents' love, or parents' tears. 
Or aught than these more dear — private regards, 

And hence not rightly weighed or yielded to 

Thus recreant to my purpose and my trust. 

Manoah. Thy faith seems not unfounded; and I 
yield 
That for his people God of old hath wrought 
Wonders incredible ; yet such wherein 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 9 

Obedience and firm faith and fealty, 

And not, as now, dishonor and contempt, 

With bold disloyalty and base presumption. 

Herein, so main against God^s law, how couldst thou 

Hope for his aid, since against his thy will 

Opposed, and purpose set to his transverse ? 

For well thou knowest, God pronounced it sin 

To yoke in wedlock with the uncircumcised. 

Then how in this by his aid to come off 

Thou canst presume, I own surmounts my reach. 

Samson. Be of good courage, father, nor to doubt 
So easily resign thyself. Things strange, 
To us uncertain, darkly are ordained. 
Sometimes, to work from evil into good ; 
x^s herein shall perhaps be shortly found. 
Save what I have advanced, no more I can, 
Except a certain presage of the mind. 
Which puts to something out of wont my thoughts, 
That this day shall remarkably be done 
By me, and from this hoped occasion rise 
Worthy our God, our nation, and myself. 
Else why this purpose, though express opposed 
To God's high law, that strictly still forbade 
Such union, with the uncircumcised conjoined, 
Set on, and furthered thus as by his aid? 
Which had not been, except his counsel served. 

Manoah. Since thus thy perseverance, to no purpose 
These admonitions, now, as first, repulsed. 
But other secret matter would I mention 
Before thy notice, haply to thee known. 
The stripling youths that follow thee about, 
Thy nuptial tendance, move somewhat against thee, 
Cast from their hope to solve thy riddle set. 
Eor, as thou knowest, this now the seventh day finds 

them 
Still unresolved, unsettled, still to seek. 
Black looks and muttered threats, thought undiscemed, 



lo TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Have I perceived, not, certain, to thy face, 
For thee they hate, yet fear thy haughty limb 
And higher courage ; but thy absence gives them 

Cause and occasion. Here then be advised 

To what avail, if, the one danger shunned, 
Thou on the other strike and suffer vrrack ? 

Samson-. What blind suspicion, father, puts thee on 
thus? 
They will not dare against their oath assured 
Of friendship and of league with us conjoined 
In strictest amity, with their dread lords 
By solemn oath confirmed, nor aught intend 
Upon me, lest the penalties that fall 
To those who thus dissolve allegiance sworn 
And faith be visited upon their deed. 
Yet should they so on me thus girt with friends 
Endeavor treachery, or use contrive, 
"What could be else than blank discomfit gained 

And ruin drawn on those who try the deed 

The wished occasion to hostility 
Perhaps, that should Israel's deliverance 
Begin, as the angel thus to thee affirmed? 

Manoah. I cannot, son, yet reconcile myself 
To this thy marriage-choice ; and how thy foes 
May plot thy ruin hence, or how distasteful 
To them such union, under show of love 
ISTow masking, and of fair and open front, 
I know not, nor can see from this derive 
Aught with advantage pure or honorable, 
Worthy our God, our nation, or thyself. 
Between the vanquished and the vanquisher 
What faith can hold, or what engaging stand, 
Since they who faith engage thereto compelled 
By nothing that assures their holding safe? 
Or how can that turn good by express law 
Enjoined us absolutely not to do ? 
Reasons enough, as might seem, to dissuade 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ii 

Perhaps a stronger purpose than thou hast. 

And more I cannot urge, unless to suasion 

Force added, which I still were loth to use, 

If still were in my power, since thy age 

Now to the prime and flower of youth attained. 

But now enough ; and I perhaps too much 

Herein have said, since every circumstance, 

The place, the hour, and this close secrecy. 

Informs against and sets suspicion on. 

If not unmarked, as now. Por list, I hear 

(So apprehension quick hath sharpened more 

The ear of age than youth's unwary sense) 

The tread of hasty steps that steer this way. 

And yonder through the shade by glimpse discern * 

Thy bridal friends and guests, here doubtless come 

"Now at this grateful hour to gratulate 

Thy love consummated. Be circumspect, 

And put thee to thy guard with extreme care. 

Chorus. happy chance that brings thee to thy 
bride, 
Samson, more favored now. 
And more rejoiced than when, to oppose thy way, 
The solitary fierce beast proud. 
That wons in wild. 
Beset thy single steps, 

And with no spousal grasp, or dalliant arm, 
Griped in each paw thy form. 
But thou, with mighty hold 
Tearing the lion as the lion tears the kid, 
Shored'st off both tawny hide and crested mane, 
Spurning, with unsupportable foot. 
The carcass, left for bees to hive therein. 

Semi-chorus. What shall 1 higher praise, 
Thy might, or chance in love ? 
Since thee thy happy hazard thus assigns 
Among the daughters of the Caphtorim 
The fairest and the choicest, virtuous, best; 



12 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Who waits, this now the seventh day^s sun 

Chiding the heavy time. 

Her spousal consummations and thy own. 

Chorus. Thrice happy bride and house! Yet 
happier deem 

"Wliat prosperous roof shall shade 

Thy marriageable bed, 

That, rich with fruitful pleasures, shall bring forth 

Large issue, increase fair 

Of goodly sons and daughters chaste, 

Likest to thee and to thy wedlock mate; 

Happy, if to their nuptial lot be linked 

Like issue of success in wedded love. 

SA]viso2sr. Peace with you, comrades. Your induce- 
ment hither 

Since not unfriendly, say why ye are here. 
Choeus. Peace with thee, old Manoah, and with 
thee, 

Samson, esteemed strongest of mortal men. 

"We come, thy bridal courtiers and thy friends. 

To gratulate thy love consummated; 

And, as we have in charge, and were assigned. 

To aid with wished assistance to thy will. 

Say therefore what task here thou wouldst enjoin 

On us, who only wait thy word to do. 

Samson". Your coming, friends, is timely; for this 
day. 

Though now the marriage-feast known largely given, 

Sees much performed, if all in order due 

Accomplished, ere night bring the grateful end. 

ISTow, therefore, haste, and, as I gave in care. 

Have strict attendance on those timely tasks, 

As may become your office best assigned. 

And to my kindred chief. I, the meanwhile, 

Must hasten conference with those in charge 

"Who have this last day's glad solemnity. 

And now perhaps my wished arrival wait. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 13 

Choeus. Then thee our grateful task thus entertains^ 
Manoah old; for so may well befit 
The bridal friends and comrades to thy son, 
With pride indeed thus named; since well art thou 
Happy in such a son, above example 
Present or past the mighest born of men. 
Since not in all Philistian borders reckoned, 
Askelon, Ecron, Asdod, Gaza, Gath, 
[NTot, though thou add the list of Anak's sons 
Famous and blazed, whose giant stature vast 
Might weU with terror strike, and win the name 
Of highest eminence for feats of arms 
And tests of strength endured, accompt his like, 
Equal much less, or second, at whose coming 
The mightiest and the bravest of our land 
Let fall the crest, with stride less conscionable 
And lower courage stalking, or slink by, 
!N"ot braving his affront. Is he thy sole 
"Wonder, and country's boast, or others worthy 
Compare with him and equal praise assigned? 

Mafoah. Our sole accompt and paragon; his like, 
Much less his equal or superior. 
As not of the Philistines, not in Israel, 
Of whom he also bears the highest name 
For feats of strength and valiant deeds performed. 

Chorus. Thy moderation to enlarge his worthy 
Since by such ties thus nearly to thee joined. 
Accredits thee ; and to much ampler merit 
Thou might'st have raised his name, and yet come short 
Of his desert and due for sleights of strength 
And strenuous feats displayed, nor so his cunning 
Stinted of equal praise. For, when he came 
Hither to marriage, he a riddle set, 
Framed with so curious and so hidden skill. 
His first propounded, none till now can boast 
Solution and the wagered forfeit won. 
And some are moved against him, but as jet 



14 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

The more part speak him well and wish him fair. 
Whose spousals thus to grace they have assembled — -^ 
Whereof some tidings would we might but leam. 
By his departure thus deprived. Yet see ! 
For yonder to this place I now discern 
One by his garb and look perhaps hath come 
With news of what but lately hath befallen. 

Seevant. I come not, friends, for such are ye dis- 
cerned 
To Samson and this house wherein I serve, 
With tidings that may hit with joy your ears, 
As some perhaps, yet cannot else relate 
Than as I have received, howe'er adjudged; 
And as they are will tell, if ye desire. 
Though haply wished unknown the news I bring. 

Choeus. Evil, or good? superfluous yet to ask. 

Seevant. Foreboding ill; so thick a tempest draws. 

Choeus. The morning promised fair, nor threatened 
aught. 

Seevant. Yet gathers darkly now, and noises loud. 

Choeus. Still no concern ; foul days have oft turned 
fair. 

Seevant. But this with other kind of storm 
portends. 

Choeus. Resolve thy drift; no second riddle needs. 

Seevant. Look not for tidings now of happy sort, 
Your question thus perhaps, yet soon explained. 
If so may be explained what still unknown ; 
^or wonder at so strange relation heard, 
111 suiting nuptial time and marriage-feast : 
Though of the happy consummation lack 
To honor this glad feast and fair occasion 
Of this da/s spousals, now so long preparing, 
jSTothing voluptuous of soft or sweet, 
Or pleasing to sight, sound, or smell, or taste. 
So sumptuous the feast and lavish planned. 
For first, that all their nuptial rites be passed 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ij 

In order, and their spousals due observed. 

Along the tall grovels edge they have upraised 

A spacious tent, whose curtains fast enclosed 

Deny all sight not bidden, and high roof. 

Ample and round, of richest texture woven. 

With state of regal luster spreads above, 

O'er-doming as a sky. Within, dispersed 

At grateful intervals, rich palms, and shrubs 

Odorous, grateful both to sight and smell. 

Myrtle and rose, jasmine, acanthus, laurel. 

Iris, as grown in ordered place disposed; 

And music, touch of harp and timbrel mixed 

With pipe and warbling song, invites the dance. 

Pleasing the ear, as sight and smell were pleased. 

"Not other senses want; Autumn and Spring, 

As due at once, have heaped their choicest hearth — 

Apples of the Hesperides, with rind 

Of golden burnish clad, pomegranate, quince. 

All fruits of the earth, with choicest flowers inmixed — 

Upon the grassy table, by whose side 

Couches of softest touch, and carpets, rich 

In texture and in damask tint, recline; 

While at the fragrant wine, in order ranged, 

Fair stripling youths, rich-clad, of ruddy hue. 

Such is the luxury, it seems no strife 

!N"earby could dwell, no riot rude endure. 

But would be calmed to quiet, and forget 

Its brawling noise, still to be so entranced. 

Yet they, for whom all this, with jangling war 

And wordy discord Jar, within the house 

Close in a chamber met, though not so sore 

The bridegroom. Him the bride loudly unbraids 

With love's disrelish cloyed, because some secret. 

So loud her cries not long a secret kept. 

To her denied. Wherefore she weeps by turns. 

Upbraids him next with lack of proper love 

Toward her espoused, but this day made his bride. 



i6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Next threatens, then cajoles ; that all the house 
Rings with the tumult loud. How it shall end 
1 may not know, so stubborn she, so fixed 
Not to give o'er her siege until success, 
And he as fixed on his part to withstand. 
But longer to delay my task forbids. 
Upon me joined with speed as not deferring. 

Choeus. "What it can be divides them holds my 
thought ; 
iSTo grievous rupture; some love-quarrel, doubtless, 
That soon the firmlier but joins who jar; 
Not like the marriage-riddle he so guards. 
Though that not unforgiven, if divulged 
In gamesome sport, not wanton treacherous malice. 
But thou hast known perhaps, at hazard gained 
Or by relation heard, what mystic sentence 
Resolves the marriage-riddle that he set ? 

Manoah. To have disclosed a secret were a fact 
How heinous ! For that cause I will not tell ! 

Choeus. If some convenient matter were proposed — 

Maxoah. I should not so less resolution hold. 

Choeus. Yet without harm to thee, or danger, done, 
This nuptial time and glad occasion warrant. 

MAJfOAH. Yet so occasion and the time abuse 
Befits not — ^though urged hard, betraying thus 
To you, his friends, yet rivals in the secret. 
Nor were it seemly ye should so persist. 
After refusal offered, to affront 
The rites of hospitality, presuming 
Upon superior age. Have ye no fear, 
Regard, of those just penalties attaching 
To reverence outraged and abused respect. 
Unmeditated now perhaps, yet so 
Not less offensive, when obtruded thus 
Against all decency, regard to years? 
Forbear such purpose, then, so main opposed 
To justice, rights of hospitality. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 17 

Chorus. Yet once again, and while in time thou 
mayest — 

Manoah. Urge me no further; so ye do not well, 
With such assaults hard-pressed and sieges girded, 
Seeking to make me traitor to my son, 
That firm esteems his confidence reposed 
On me, who now assuredly not betray it. 
Revealing thus that secret sacred given ; 
I know it not, nor, if I did, should tell. 

Choeus. Hence with thy gray dissimulation! Pre- 
tence 
Of ignorance feigned, or reverence due to age. 
Alike we disregard, since we perceive 
Thou knowest it, well enough, and think'st to hide, 
Tearful to be compelled against thy will; 
Which we are fain to do if thou persist. 
Por, plain enough, thou seest our throng too many 
And our advantages to force thee to it. 
Consider with thyself; be wise and yield; 
Or we shall straight such terms of force propound. 
As shall compel thee to a quick result. 

Manoah. Would but my son here present, whose 
high strength 
Ye still are knowing of ! Ye would not venture 
Violence on this head, which ye were better. 
He absent, leave untouched. When he but learn, 
As thus he shall, that be assured, ere long, 
These deeds of violence, contumacious acts — 

Samson. Peace, friends ; were best with no disturb- 
ance here, 
J^ow in this nuptial hour and nuptial place. 
Where quiet most consorts. Ye meant no harm. 
As I am well assured, upon my sire, 
But as the time stirs up your minds more quick 
To apt occasion. Yet unseemly so 
This offered violence and these ventured hands 
Towards any head, and more against a guesfs. 



i8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Abuse not so occasion and the time. 
Which also, father, deem the full excuse 
And sole extenuation of their fault. 
Done in the wanton heat of youth, as ever^ 
So now, to ill-considered rashness bent. 

Maxoah. So slightly should it scape? I thought 
more loudly 
Thy arm, and not thy tongue, expostulates. 
Shall such a fact, so heinous in itself, 
But here most, where to wont and usage Joined 
A solemn truce and sacred marriage-rites. 
Be ventured so— unpunished, unrepentant. 
After a crime so gross, on head allied 
Laid violent hands and rude, these sons of Belial, 
Incestuous, sacrilegious, thus escape 
That justest vengeance, punishment deserved? 
If thus thou shalt endure without protest 
More than thy daunted tongue thus far dares vaunt, 
I lower think thy valor than erewhile, 
And hold it slackened, cheap, vile, and debased. 
!N"or will I longer tarry in such presence 
Of hostile insolence, unfilial shame. 

Samson. Peace, father; nor in wrath forget thyself 
thus. 

Maxoah. Counsel not peace with whom no peace can 
hold. 

Samsox. Yet these the licensed time, if not excusing. 
At least condones in their offended fault. 

Maxoah. I^ot for a moment given; lest, this pre- 
sumed. 
More open impudence they venture on. 

Samsox. Then till the finished feast thy parting 
stay ; 
When if thou go, at least in peace depart. 

Maxoah. iN'ot longer than the preparation ask 
Will I defer, or stay my parting hence. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 19 

Samson. Then by the dear respect of love I ven- 
ture. 
Though with unfilial seeming, thy restraint. 

Manoah. Not so, forbear it ! lest my anger also 
Curse thee in sudden wrath distinguished not. 
Should I be so constrained, against my will 
And by my son enforced, as these were fain, 
My enemies, and so a second time 
Thus openly and to more shame exposed, 
These looking on, their gaze and scorn repeated ? 
Presume not so upon the near relation 
That nature gives, which here I disavow, 
With all propinquity disclaimed of kindred. 
Or ties of blood, with one so lightly holding 
That dear respect. Thou are not son of mine, 
Though such esteemed, and with delight once cherished, 
But no more, if thou tamely thus endure. 
And shall resent not, with more strenuous anger, 
Such insult, to a father ventured on. 
Thine or another's not thy near concern. 
Have I begotten thee my sharpest curse. 
Cherished thy years, tended about thy care 
With fondest diligence, to find thee, now 
Heartened and warmed, a deadly bosom-serpent, 
TJngrateful, base, to sting the hand that reared thee? 
Or by the bait of woman snared, and tamed. 
Thy sacred freedom lost that should assure 
Our hoped deliverance, must I regard thee, 
Tangled by fond desire in amorous net, 
A prisoner to her wish, or lightest word 
Let fall, with faith and rightful due forgot. 
Thy glorious purpose quite foregone or lost, 
And mission high neglected as despised — 
Thee must I then bewail thus, once esteemed 
My one delight, that should (but fondly hoped!) 
Stay my declining years and nurse my age — 
But now my sharp reproach and shame discerned? 



20 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Be other than thou art, or be not mine. 

Nor so expect my presence, how besought, 

Or to occasion whatso'er desired, 

Out of the dear regard of love, for such 

As to thy shame thou now art found, unworthy 

Nation or God, thy father or thyself. 

Samson". Go then, as best, ere further soon occa- 
sion 
Found to annoy, advantaged in my absence; 
And for thy conduct safe and safe convoy 
I will despatch along these chosen youth. 
My nuptial tendance from our nation chosen ; 
Nor shall I sorrow much, nor much afflict me 
At thy departure, matters as they hold. 
But bring thee, as befits, upon thy way. 

Choeus. I cannot like this pliant conduct, friends. 
And outrage slightly overpassed; from such 
Omission evil springs. More wroth at first 
Should be who pardons, or condones. Nor such 
His wont ; since quenched not easily we know 
His anger waked, nor for the main suppressed 
In smiling looks and fair persuading words. 
But what have we to fear of harm, or dread. 
So many, and with youthful vigor armed. 
Against him single for his kindred gone? 
He will not dare against us now, nor venture 
Violence or force, nor move contrary aught. 
Among his foes thus single and unarmed; 
His error, and the wished occasion found. 
As he shall find perhaps ere this day end. 
But yonder through the shade I now discern 
A bevy of fair damsels, richly dressed 
In gems and waving robes, with steps well-timed, 
As they in dance came on, and amorous ditties 
Sung to the harp, tokens that well infer 
The bridal train, the bride among them chief. 
And, driving now full-sail, this way they steer. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 21 

Like a rich fleet of merchants, fair addressed 

To T arsis, or the isles of utmost Ind — 

One o'er the rest proudly pre-eminent 

In stature, beauty, speed, a towering ship. 

The pride and stately boast of her convoy — 

With tackle hoised, sails filled, and streamers flaunting, 

That court the spicy winds to waft their way ; 

And now, on nearer view more sure discerned, 

Though yet unthought what purpose or intent 

Induces, known the bride and bridal train. 

LiLiTH. Greeting and welcome, bridal friends and 
comrades 
To him who hath espoused me, and this day 
With me fulfilled those nuptial vows engaged. 

Chorus. happy chance, that brings thee to this 
place 
To listen our hymeneal. 
Thy nuptial ode assigned 
And holy spousal h3rmn. 
Befitting best occasion sacred thus 
Of amorous consort. 
That celebrates this day conjoined 
With his thy vows in faith and wedlock bands, 
That goodliest man of men. 
Whom this day brings to consummate his love, 
Happy in thee and thy possession fair. 
Our flower of beauty, and pride; 
Linked in whose love so dear. 
Prosperous be thou as fair, thy spousal bed 
Fruitful with nuptial pleasures pure 
And beauteous offspring, consummation glad 
Of all thy bliss and solace of thy love. 

Kor less thy lot esteem, which thee assures 
Thy spouse and wedlock mate. 
That mightiest of earth's sons, 
By whose dear side to shade thee and protect 
Through all thy hazards of life. 



22 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Possess thy bliss devised, 

His love to thee^ and thine to him, assured, 

Long life, and happy days, and issue fair. 

LiLiTH. I came not for your spousal greetings, 
friends. 
Though not unmindful for them, but to share 
With you my tidings of success unhoped. 
Scarcely this day but gained, and in this hour. 
His secret wrested from him in his height 
Of resolution not to yield. I urged him 
With many reasons, brought forth many proofs 
To win him, long in silence combated. 
Pressed him with amorous arts and amorous words. 
And long in vain, though fixed not to give o'er. 
Still mindful for your threat, until success. 
At length that plea, twixt wedded man and wife 
oSTo secret, and with all assurance given, 
Confirmed by solemn oath and solemn faith. 
To you divulged not, wrought with him, and he, 
Importuned, over-worn and wearied out, 
Opened me all his bosom and my will. 
But he who cannot his own secret hold 
Locked in his breast, with constant resolution 
And purpose not to yield, whatever urged 
Against him, or with what persuasion armed, 
Cunning, or fraud, or force, how should he hope 
"Who then shall keep it for him, when revealed, 
By his inducements not enforced, or held, 
IN'ot to betray the secret, not to yield — 
How think that sacred trust, to him committed, 
In silence kept, if he in silence keep not, 
Though upon sworn assurance, solemn oath? 
And which the firmlier, bonds of civil duty, 
Or bonds of wedlock, to whomever, bind ? 
Whom then should I regard or fear, a stranger 
Of hated race and vanquished, an inferior 
Held by our lords a thrall, given by my father, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 23 

Embraced against my will, or rather you. 
My friends and countrymen, whose ties of kindred 
Firmlier bind than faith of wedlock bands ? 
And by your word assured, and by your presence. 
That safe assures, more than your word assures, 
No harm to me, whatever harm devised, 
I have not much to fear what he can do 
Against me, or what harm on me contrive. 
Single among his enemies, and unarmed ; 
Small danger which infers, if I reveal. 
As without more I shall. A swarm of bees, 
Hived in the lion's carcass, solves the riddle. 
'Now ye may boast your wagered forfeit won. 

Chorus. Yet softly ; for I see approach. 
But now returned after his kin departed, 
Samson; when the secret known betrayed, 
Doubtless found highly incensed; 
Advise then well 
Thy conduct, that his wrath inflame not more. 

LiLiTH. Samson, well may we spare each other'l 
presence, 
If, after parted thus, desire again 
TTnite as now, so much thy sight hath cheered me 
Ignorant of thy going and the cause. 
That, for society and human sight. 
Hither I was constrained to these thy friends, 
With whom some cheering found, some little solace ; 
And to repay whose entertainment given 
1 have bestowed what thou so well canst spare 
And feel no lack, that secret thou imparted'st 
At my solicitation — ^hardly gained. 
Yet gained with wonder so reluctant given 
As much, so small the consequence attached; 
ISTeither upbraid, that I in this may boast. 
Out of the dear regard for me thou hast, 
But this day linked with thee in bonds of love, 
Thy favor, as these now thy forfeit boast. 



^4 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Samson. But not thy nuptial fealty, faithless mon- 
ster, 
Who swore with solemn oath, and pressed me strongly 
Against my will and quick suspicion held, 
Not to divulge, not to betray the trust 
Deposited; but thou with reasons urgedst. 
So many and with such persuasions armed, 
That to my better purpose I proved false. 
As thou to me hast proved. Accomplished fraud, 
Couldst thou more oaths not swear, more faith confirm. 
To make thy sin less heinous by enormity. 
That men might more admire the magnitude 
Than thy degree of vice and mind depraved? 
Yet what more couldst thou swear, or what confirm, 
More than thou hast, vile traitress ? Thou adjuredst me 
By all the bonds of love, so faithful held. 
And bonds of spousal duty, nuptial faith, 
What but to yield me and betray, a scorn 
Among my enemies, utmost contempt 
To all my kindred, all my friends endeared, 
Proverbed a fool, to all time an example ? 

LiLiTH. Bear with me, Samson, while I shall en- 
deavor 
To lessen or extenuate my fault. 
So held, committed, in all duty done 
To thee, and fair intent. I feared thee changsful. 
Since of thy own tribe women found so fair. 
Of various fancy, dreaded thou wouldst leave me. 
Perhaps, ere this day consummate our vows ; 
Rightly sought therefore to hold thee firmest 
To me; and to this end thy cherished secret 
Obtained; to these, thy friends esteemed, revealed it, 
A further hold intended, in their knowledge 
An added bond ; the forfeit rightly known 
So trivial, of such little worth esteemed. 
That I could rather lose, than lose thy love ; 
Which now I ne'er will urge again so hardj 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 25 

If in this test but faithful it be found. 
Pronounce forgiveness therefore on my fault. 
By thee so held, but not by me intended. 
Through which if I with thee am lower deemed, 
Eestore me to my place and favor lost. 

Samson". Out, traitress, out! I can as soon restore 
thee 
To new acceptance, as thou canst restore 
Thy fealty and trust of silence lost. 
Even were thy words sincere, how couldst thou hope 
Would go my faith, or favor, or my love. 
Where my esteem could not, and confidence. 
Or long remain, where these could not remain ; 
How could they, where no worth or value found. 
So heinous is thy sin that thou hast sinned ? 
I before all the daughters of my nation 
Esteemed thee, loved; unlocked thee all my heart; 
ISTot as a trial meant of marriage-faith. 
But overcome by importunity 
And strong assurance of thy wifely love. 
Was this thy wifely duty, wifely love 
Assured, to thus desert me, thus forego me. 
Slight me as naught, betray me to my friends 
Esteemed, but now as foes and hostile held. 
Then to beseech me, and with feigned remorse 
Entreat my new acceptance and new love ? 
Thou shouldst not so, direct against my notions. 
Presume thyself, and then presume forgiveness; 
Or, if thou dost, know thy presumption false. 

LiLiTH. Yet further hear me, Samson ; that my love 
In this not slackened, but the more assured. 
Know, through my fear for thee I have revealed 
What, but for this, had never been disclosed. 
I saw thee here among thy enemies. 
For such they are, though friends to thee pretended. 
Single, unarmed, and thence against them weak; 
I feared what harm they might inflict upon thee. 



26 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Cast from their hope to solve thy riddle set, 

And deemed that thou mightst easier lose thy forfeit 

Than spare thy life, with thy lost love to me, 

And all the pain that love deprived attends. 

For this have I misdone, if mnst be deemed 

What for thy own best good and highest end 

Intended, by regard for thee impelled 

Through love, which if well meaning, though harm 

wrought, 
^0 blame attends, but pity more and pardon. 
These pleadings satisfy the laws of love. 
And therefore thee, if thou to love a subject. 
Let this appease thy wrath, and thou the rather 
Applaud my dauntless resolution bold, 
That against thy displeasure sought thy welfare, 
Than censure the light holding of my faith 
To thee engaged, not to thy harm engaged. 
These reasons then, these, these, and more besides, 
May well, if not deserve, at least implore 
Thy pardon and thy favor and thy love. 

SAMSOiS". Since thou wilt cling still to that odious 
plea 
Of love, pretended, faith to me, abjured, 
Hear me, if I pronounce thy refutation. 
'No token of thy faith could I esteem 
Of higher proof, or faith to me engaged. 
Than the maintaining of that faith and love 
By firm hold on thy word to me assured. 
For where is found no faith of man and wife, 
Mistrust and fear must lurk, inconstancy. 
Mutual doubt, suspicion, that shake sore 
Their inward peace of mind and wonted calm. 
My welfare was thy thought ; what if my welfare 
I lower held than faith of marriage-bonds ? 
Of which the one thou shouldst have kept to me. 
The other left to whom it most concerns. 
Or how couldst thou presume what I, thy head, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 2% 

Had charged thee absolutely not to do, 
And then not raise in me extreme displeasure, 
Knowing, as need thon shouldst, so disobeying? 
Thou only seek'st fresh opportunity, 
On pardon granted, to insult me more. 
And with more open impudence betray me. 
Thy acted parts and feignings I contemn. 
And count thy specious pleas not pleas, but lies. 

LiLiTH. Then if these reasons win thee not, let win 
thee 
What else I suffered, ere I could consent. 
What snares were set, what sieges girded round; 
Some small commiseration this may gain me 
Perhaps from thee, not from my hope quite cast. 
It was not wanton disregard of faith. 
As thou inf errest, or I of thee infer. 
Slackening of wedlock duty, wifely love. 
Still firm my faith to thee as first, but weakness 
Against their importunity to hold 
Is my excuse. Thy bridal friends and guests, 
Thy friends esteemed, hence firm to thee esteemed. 
And toward thy interest, set upon me, pressed me. 
Urged me by all the ties of civil duty 
And of relation, to obtain thy secret 
And give to them, when once I had obtained; 
Assuring me, not against thee designed 
Hostile occasion ; but dishonorable 
Thus to permit an alien to our race. 
And our inferior, to advantage thus 
Upon my kindred, on my countrymen. 
These proving vain, they threatened cruel death. 
Constraining me to wrest thy secret from thee 
And tell to them, that solved thy riddle set. 
With such assaults hard pressed, though scrupling much 
To circumvent my faith, at last I yielded. 
Unlocked them all thy secret and their will. 
But let me find some place to show contrition. 



28 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Samson; nor thus reject me for my fault, 

B}^ sad event so found, not deemed at first. 

Loss of thy love and thy displeasure gained. 

Upon my known offence and sin allot 

Whatever punishment, and I will pay 

To the full reckoning set my heavy score, 

So I may still to favor be restored. 

And in thy anger be some mercy shown. 

How small; nor from all hope cut me quite off. 

Regard my weaker sex and weaker years. 

If in thy heart some pity harbor still, 

And bear with me in my infirmities, 

Which with thy help I shall in time overcome. 

Perhaps; without thy aid and favor not. 

So shalt thou, as thou dost in strength excel, 

In mercy and in mild compassion so. 

Samson". Such punishment, as on my own I take, 
To thy sin I allot; and if no more. 
Thou wilt not quickly seek like penalty. 
Loss of all love, and sharp mistrust engendered. 
Thou wouldst not for thy husband wish me, thus 
Loveless and unendeared, a mock and scorn 
Among unperjured women, faithful wives. 
Forego thy seeking then, or own it feigned. 
After a fact so heinous, to thy husband 
Unchaste, unfaithful ; for a deed so faithless 
Argues a heart like faithless and unchaste. 
ISTor can their pled constraint absolve thy sin. 
Since under my protection, as thy husband, 
Thy first obedience was to me, not them. 
Who thence thy countrymen no more, nor kindred, 
Though they to thy refusal had attached 
A threat more cruel, joined a heavier doom. 
Yet much I marvel that my friends and comrades 
Could move against me thus, the wagered forfeit 
Esteemed so slight, not worth a life to lose. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 29 

Chorus. Thou wouldst not wonder long, conldst 
thou but learn 
Occasion of our importunity. 
Our politic wise lords assigned thee spies, 
Though bridal friends and guests to thee pretended, 
Fearing some fraud on us by thee contrived, 
i^ot friendly heretofore, but hostile found. 
Guile then with guile, as best, they have opposed. 
Cunning have matched with cunning, since with force 
They could not ; from whose wished event infers 
That vaunted strength, unless to wisdom joined. 
Made only to subserve where wisdom rules. 
A lesson, Samson, which to thee we care not 
If we reveal, since thus from thee we learned; 
Whom much we need not fear from this attest. 

Samson". Was this that solemn oath and faith 
affirmed 
By your dread lords to me, and me to them, 
So to requite with perjured guile the trust 
In them reposed by acquiescence given 
To their request, though strange and out of wont, 
My nuptial tendance from their nation chosen, 
ISTot mine, as custom old and use obtains? 
Where, also, was that oath to me assured, 
By you assured, of faith and friendship firm. 
When I received you for my bridal friends, 
Not with reluctance, as I feared in aught. 
But openly, as numbered of my nation. 
When ye by cruel force constrained my bride 
To wrest from me and tell to you the secret. 
Thereto set on by your designing lords. 
Themselves not true, but in false league combined 
To wrest their oath and break their pledge secured? 
This was your honor and Philistian faith, 
A¥herein, when put to test, how dully shows 
The coin debased of friendship counterfeit. 
And when with mine compared how foul appears! 



30 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Among the daughters of your nation found 

I sought a bride, which proved in me no guile, 

And here among you held my nuptial feast. 

So further my sincerity attesting. 

If aught against me then your lords have moved. 

They did it impiously, against the laws 

Of nations, laws of hospitality, 

To violate their country^s fairest ends. 

With such no league can hold, since disregarded 

Those principles that base and found a state. 

Honor and faith and fair intent to all. 

Without which none begins or long endures. 

Too much I cannot gratulate my chance, 

In time discovered both a faithless wife 

And faithless nation, both alike in fraud 

Excelling, found unfaithful as unchaste; 

"Not shall I greatly sorrow, if to both 

My faith I break, since both to me have broken. 

Choeus. Thou wouldst not dare, except thou dost 
presume 
Upon our sufferance, thus abuse our patience 
With insult to our lords and us avouched. 
Pretending broken faith and oath outraged 
By us, when thou occasion only sought'st 
To do the like, but never couldst surprise. 
And which through fear of us durst never seize. 
Palse pretext, since from us to thee needs hold 
'No faith, victor to vanquished, lord to slave ; 
Since in fierce battle we thy nation vanquished. 
Regaining thus the name of prowess lost 
In Palestine from thine, who thence our subject, 
Toward whom we hold what faith soe'er and league, 
As to a race inferior and enthralled. 
ISTor think we greatly dread, as thou presumest, 
The utmost of thy might on us performed; 
Would fortune but fair opportunity 
Afford, as not before, soon wouldst thou show 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ji 

A lower courage, use a smoother tongue, 
Spite of thy vaunted strength and valor famed. 
Let this be warning then, that may suffice. 
And not need force, or stronger, to impress. 

Samson". I fear ye not, nor all your force ; the rather 
"Welcome such contest, what ye dare against 
The merited assay of this right arm 
Provoked, though first, yet not the last reward 
Of faith-breach, league thus loosely disallied. 
I^or other place I know, or like to be. 
Or other time, so suitable as this, 
To show you what this vengeful arm intends. 
Or to receive your utmost brunt of battle. 
Whatever then your sudden valor prompt. 
Set on, nor deem that I shall hence be far. 

Chokus. Not long should hesitation hang, nor sequel 
Delay thy vaunt with force returned, wert thou 
Our equal, worth our valor to assail, 
Not rather insult and declined emprise 
By us accounted, thus with thee engaged, 
Our subject, our inferior, our thrall. 
Beneath all notice, worthy but contempt, 
Or best chastised by those whose pride, as thine. 
In lips unrazored and like boisterous locks. 

Samson". I thought thy circling pretense thus would 
end 
In vouched disdain, insult to valor offered, 
Tongue-doughty, whom no insult ventured on, 
N"o force, could move, except with idle breath. 
To venture or return, if offered fight. 
And, as might well be thought, since ye in fraud 
Excel, so now in cowardice, when thus 
The hand maintains not what the tongue presumed, 
Thus insolent, untractable, unquenched, 
Not worthy notice, beneath all contempt. 
And likest those who profit by respect 
Of sex against all honor and fair faith ; 



2,2 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

So now with futile answer like returned. 

LiLiTH. Samson, once more, ere lastly thou pro- 
nounce, 
Let me obtain forgiveness for my fault, 
Which I confess, and well could wish not done, 
So unforeseen the sad event derived; 
ISTor thus disjoin our vows, this day conjoined. 

Samson, ^o, no ; it suits not thou and I were one, 
Twain now in heart and soul as twain in race. 
Nor frame thy thoughts to speech in artful mode, 
As to her spouse by faithful wife and dear. 
Thy amorous nets no more shall tempt my feet, 
Once in the snare, and well-nigh fatal, caught ; 
ISTor thy unfaith my easy faith betray. 
On thee, who art a woman, and exempt, 
I will enforce no violence, nor on these. 
Aids to thy fraud, respecting both thy sex 
And their false oath; but others of thy nation, 
Since all perceived set on like enmity. 
Will not exempt thus, but will deal toward them 
As enemies, wherever chanced or found. 
Yet think not for the base return ye made 
To my regarded faith I shall as base 
Return, or for that wagered forfeit set, 
By you so foully gained with perjured sleight. 
Ye have long time to wait, or I to seek. 

Chorus. Which if thou gain within time boasted 
thus 
Will prove a shrewder riddle than thy last 
With search to find the satisfying solution. 

Sam SON". double breach of faith to me presumed. 
With insult dire returned 
To my regarded trust. 

Which with as greater shame must on me show, 
If tamely and ingloriously endured 
Affront so vile esteemed 
With foul indignity enforced 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 33 

From heathen and profane, 

Yet no return attempted on my foes ! 

Was it for this that plighted faith secure 
And mntnal honor joined 
Assured your firm regard sincere, when I 
With open fair intent 
Sought league with you and mutual amity, 
And, further to assure the bond sincere, 
Among you chose a bride, 
Approving thus my steadfast loyalty 
To that pledged word assured ? 
'Viniich basely by you broken 
Compels me, unwilling else. 
From the dear side and loved society 
Of her but this day linked 
With me in faith of wedlock bands. 

Yet not through fear seduced or drawn, I go. 
Of what your utmost 
On me may inflict; 

But to requite such heinous faith-breach offered 
And insult foul presumed 

With what becomes of vengeance urged extreme; 
My purpose, and my studied right revenge. 

Chorus. Go then, nor think we greatly dread 
What the utmost of thy might 
On us is able. 

Though to thy vaunted strength were joined 
The total force of those who serve thy God, 
With utmost of his deity seconded; 
Whose puissance we ere this have proved, 
And found it against Dagon 
Useless and vain, ridiculous, despised. 
Go therefore where thy heart inclines. 
Whether to death, or other shameful fate, 
For strict necessity naught less 
Upon thee allots, 
In that direful fold self -tangled. 



34 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

LiLiTH. He's gone ; and how he may revenge himself 
By stirring up his wrath to hostile deeds, 
My heart misgives me, sore divine of ill, 
Since readily he passes no affront, 
However slight ; how then should this escape, 
So heinous in his sight and foul esteemed? 
"Who could have thought he would so strictly hold 
The urged offense, my broken faith to him. 
As given by way of jest, and not intended 
Binding on me, since not on him constraining ? 
Yet since he could persist in his affront 
After my suit for pardon, I shall not 
Greatly deject myself at my offense. 
With easy care to gain his love endangered. 
So quickly shaken as not worthy deemed. 
Only our scliemes miscarried I deplore, 
To draw him to our power and through my love 
Render him our subservient and our thrall; 
Captive at home, a prisoner to love 
Esteemed, so held, more in our power secure. 

Chorus. Be not disturbed; no grievous harm upon 
us 
He can inflict, how much his anger chafe. 
What strength soe'er live in those mighty limbs. 
Though doubled more than now, he cannot cope. 
Single, unarmed, against a nation armed. 
For, as thou knowest, he long ere this dispatched 
Homeward in haste his countrymen and kindred, 
Fearing some further slight upon them offered. 
Nor to the citizens much harm can lurk 
In his displeasure visited upon them 
Perhaps before the common tidings published. 
For with his father and his kindred parted. 
And the known cause therefore, the city rings. 
Him also present sole the city knows, 
And with prevention will ward off all harm. 
That he hath now departed all our bounds 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 35 

And hath arrived his father's house were likelier, 
Than tarried in the midst of enemies. 
Thus from his kindred and from succor far. 
Be not disheartened then, and have no care 
Either for self, or kindred, or thy nation; 
But rather like thy lot which hath prevented 
A wedlock so distasteful to thyself, 
Yet rather to thy friends, his paranjrmphs. 
Of whom thou mayest a second mate select 
Suitable to thy choice, since now thy former 
By express word and action hath divorced thee 
Constrained to bonds by force against thy will. 

LiLiTH. Then, chiefly by your kindly surance given, 
Pledges of dear regard, I take no fear 
Upon myself for what I have misdone, 
Not so intended, since I other deemed 
The event, and him, not now, as heretofore, 
Subservient to my asking and my will. 
And since by his own act and express word 
He hath divorced and left, so let him go ; 
I can as easy find another mate 
As he, and one of better faith, perhaps. 
To take affront upon so slight offence, 
"Not for some breach of faith endangering life. 
And though with his my fame shall stand traduced 
Pattern of most unconjugal unfaith, 
Yet here, among my kindred and my friends, 
And all my tribe, what I could more esteem, 
I shall be famoused of those faithful women. 
Who, to promote her cherished welfare, chose 
To set their country's faith above their own. 
Kor shall I much repine, if I receive 
The favor of my nation and my friends 
To recompense my zeal for country shown. 
If he at this take envy or despite, 
I leave him to his lot, and cleave to mine. 



36 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Choeus. Nor less thy fortune hold; since not un- 
grateful 
To thee or us or all thy nation numbered. 
Thou in thy country^s favor satisfied 
Shalt need no husband, that to thee a husband 
Less ready to abjure thee and forsake 
Than he who, for his perjury this day. 
Merits no name of husband and no wife. 
Nor dread thou long the sting of love disprized, 
Soon in a second passion comforted. 
More faithful than thy first, and more endeared. 

LiLiTH. Still less then shall my choice repent or 
change, 
That firm assures my country's favor gained 
For his, to whom in wedlock joined were shame 
Unutterable, intolerable, worse 

Than fancy might conceive, or fear might feign ■ 

Not, therefore, to be sought, but every way 
Avoided, as what worst to me might fall, 
Nor in my present mind to prosecute. 
Thus unsurmised, unworthy, undesirable, 
But by whatever means to circumvent. 

Choeus. Yet see ! for yonder comes in haste 
That famoused, that renowned, 
Invincible Samson, 
Manoah's mighty son; 
Though not, as when he parted, 
Cloudy defiance lowering on his brow, 
But in his look more mild sits calm serene. 
His burden borne the wagered forfeit deemed, 
Full satisfaction doubtless and discharge 
Of his sworn oath and faith to us engaged. 
Remain ; for thou with him shalt see some sport 
Perhaps, nor shall he work thy harm in aught. 

LiLiTH. Whom I with all persuasion will assault, 
'All amorous arts and fair enticing words. 
If in my power to appease his mind 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 37 

Witli what amend soe'er, thus high incensed. 
Yet now perchance by time elapsed more mild, 
Or, if not so, still to our purpose bent. 

Choeus. Howe'er the event may turn, alike imports. 

Samsoit. I come not, comrades, to accuse my chance, 
Though ill perhaps, or wish it had not been, 
As of unkind event. For where effect 
Hath ended hope, the former mind forgets. 
As though desire or wish had not been known. 
Wonder not then, though wonder well were moved 
Perhaps by that so sudden change perceived, 
That I, who late such heat of anger felt, 
Then justly deemed, now show of other mind 
And different purpose changing soon. For so 
It suited not that I, who late conjoined 
Friendship and league with you, and fealty. 
By solemn pledge confirmed, should all disjoin, 
For one slight difference held, one trivial breach. 
Though first but hardly held, friendship so dear 
And amity, nor that your just reproach 
Resented my slack failure to fulfill 
That bond secured, since I not then refused 
The trial, as I now the forfeit not. 
Best surety of my pledge. Wherefore behold 
The wagered forfeit ye had won of me. 
And say if this be satisfaction deemed. 
As I to you engaged, or wanting still. 

Choeus. Full and complete adjudged, nor lacking 
aught ; 
And worthy thus thy fame, that in brief space 
Incredible thy pledge thou couldst redeem. 
Yet much I marvel that in time so short 
Accomplished thus, despite thy vigor known. 
Since to thy place and here return accounted 
No journey of a Sabbath, loaded so 
A wonder well thy might so much endured. 
Who then shall ravel this aright, and set. 



38 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

To me shall seem of no less fame deserving, 
Than -^ho thy former riddle rightly searched. 

Samsox. That thou hast gained thy forfeit gaged 
suffices ; 
T^urther concerns thee not. But much I marvel 
How chances yet my wife upon this place, 
ISTot in the riddling contest now concerned. 
Say, woman, hadst thou not enough offended 
By treason and false hate unconjugal, 
That thou shouldst contumely and reproach 
Heap on my head, the witness to my shame ? 
Or wouldst thou further thus excuse thy fault, 
Eather approve thy innocence confirmed, 
Open to all, and easily apparent? 

LiLiTH. Samson, by sad experience well I know 
How little force with thee my words can find ; 
'Not, that my own perverseness I may thank. 
Interpreter than thy displeasure needs. 
But granting all, I still beseech thy love. 
Earned by repentance and by penance sore. 
Loss of thy love to me, not mine to thee. 
That still remains, and strives in thee to raise 
Like measure of itself. Not thus forsake 
Her, whom thy love once chose to recompense, 
ISTor easily repulse, lest thou shalt feel 
With me the secret sting of love refused 
Too late, when mine to thee no more endures. 

Samson". My love I gave thee once, but thou didst 
use 
"With what abuse ! How therefore could I venture 
That love again, fearful of like return? 
Thy infidelity have I refused 
And treason most unconjugal, not love. 
These then forbid my love's return, not I, 
Who only joy should know and new delight. 
That love once more should knit our vows disjoined, 
So linked anew in willing wedlock bands. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 39 

Yet so that this could be I cannot think, 
After offence committed, unprovoked, 
That mutual amity and faith could grow 
Where fires of fierce mistrust have burned so deep. 
Such reasons then should warn thee to forbear 
Behest of love and mutual faith renewed, 
Howe'er desirable and fair appearing, 
Lest by a second lapse and heavier fall 
In hate thou deeplier plunge, with second shame 
Drawn on thee, thy renewed reproach and mine. 

LiLiTH. That I toward thee no harm or ill intended 
Witness the love I bear thee ! Let me find 
Some place to show fit recompense, nor thus 
Repulse my penitence, despise my tears I 
Though I herein offended, not so deem 
Ever I shall again — such agony 
Of love, and inward pain, amorous remorse. 
Till now I never felt, nor shall again. 
Since never more I mean to try, once tried 
With sad event, the pain of thy displeasure, 
That teaches me not lightly thus to hold 
Thy faithful love to me, so dear, unequaled ; 
Lacking which, how shall I endure to live, 
Lost from the consolation of thy love. 
Joyless and unendeared, hopeless and sad? 
As when a traveler, at shut of day 
Faint and belated, scans the landskip round 
For shelter gainst the night ; meanwhile sun sinks, 
Sky lowers apace, and sullen-rising winds 
Moan wandering round their vast aerial hall. 
My fault I here acknowledge, like abjure. 
And falling at thy feet, I clasp thy knees, 
A suppliant, and beg thee, as a boon, 
IN'ot with displeasure and contempt returned 
My proffered peace and amity renewed. 

Samson". Hence from my feet ! Nor think thy acted 
parts 



40 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

More shall with me prevail, though once prevailing. 

I know thy amorous arts and amorous wiles, 

Though nearly to my cost, thy toils and trains. 

The wont of every woman, like thee, false. 

Didst thou not break all vows, deceive, betray, 

Once to obtain my secret in thy power. 

Then, with what speed thou couldst, post straight to 

these. 
My spies and rivals, as a thing of naught 
Reveal, abjuring bands of marriage-faith? 
Yet now on my faint credence wouldst pretend 
Repentance, feign remorse, what save in hope 
To win me yet again, when thou wouldst hold me 
Uxorious to thy power, thy thrall complete ! 
Once more thy odious pretence I contemn, 
And count thy spurious pleas not pleas, but lies. 

LiLiTH. Then since thou wilt renounce me, thus 

against 
Thy marriage-faith, I thee renounce, disown, 
'Not hold my husband, but account it free 
To choose as likes my choice ; nor think the slight 
Thou sett'st upon me easily overpassed 
And no return attempted. In thy stead. 
Thy paranymph, whom thou hast used thy friend, 
I here espouse, and trust to find of faith 
ISTot to desert upon so slight offence, 
^NTot breach of wedlock-faith engendering hate. 
If this thou like not, since thou art sole cause 
Thou must endure, since no redress is found. 
Full leave of me hast thou to do the like. 
If thou canst find, my doubt, a second mate, 
After thy faith to me and duty shown. 
However then it likes, or likes thee not, 
Thou to thy lot may^st cleave, as I to mine. 

SAMS0I7. Whatever then thy inclination bids thee, 
Do therefore, now no more with me at one. 
So less than ever b^ this act of thine, 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 41 

That teaches plain, if still were Deed to learn, 

How miserable lot with thee to live 

Were mine, thus with a noxious bosom-snake 

Tangled, had I not cut thee quickly off, 

Before the threatened sting received. Nor less 

Knowledge to choose a second mate I know, 

In thy example warned, not by the bait 

Of beauty snared, that falsest sign of virtue ; 

Then only fair, where goodness, virtue, shines. 

True beauty ; other, lacking these assured. 

Comely or homely, with indifference gazed, 

Or trivial passion felt and notice passed; 

Not truly beautiful save truly good. 

But I too long in this unfriendly place 

Have stayed, nor yet delaying. Ye, who take 

These pledges won, though to have gained esteeming. 

And with imagined triumph flown discerned, 

Think me not so unpractised or unskilled 

To set the hazard on a single throw 

A second riddle set, but the solution 
So easily not gained, since on yourselves 
Depends, if ye would have ; though now not far 
It yet remains to learn, nor, would ye know 
"Whence were these gotten spoils, long time to wait. 
In such concerns I leave ye. So, farewell. 

Choeus. So let him go, a riddler to the last. 
But where in time so brief his forfeit gained 
Now entertains my thoughts. Yet is most likely. 
Since of Philistian mode, some wandering merchant. 
By force constrained or gold, hath furnished them; 
Since other means or other place, than thus 
To gain them in his power, none appears. 
And he on us durst no reprisal venture; 
For had he thus, by this and here the attempt. 

LiLiTH. Thy thoughts I fain would share, but cannot 
hope. 
For, at his parting first, a surly chafe 



42 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Possessed him, thus defrauded, as he thought, 

With wrested honor where he felt secure 

His faith ; and, though more calm of mind appearing 

At his last coming, somewhat in his look 

And action moved uncertain, that hath left 

Doubtful and dark my mind; not easy, thus 

By cunning overreached, will he defer 

His vengeance, if already not exacted 

"Whatever return or chosen recompense. 

Expect then soon to hear tidings unwished, 

And far of other import than now deemed 

Some horrid deed, or dismal accident. 
And sad to us the end, not joyful proving. 

Chorus. Yet if thus known or no, it cannot long 
Hang in suspense, thus doubtful, whether we 
Erring be proved or thou, between whom now 
The sure event must arbitrate. 
And so perhaps not far deferred. 
Eor now I see approaching. 
With altered garb disordered 
And visage uncomposed. 
One in port and mien announcing news ; 
Draws on apace, and in his look 
Tidings of other sort than late received; 
By his habit, a Philistine known, 

As well as I may guess 

One of our nation, sure, though not of ours. 
What wind hath driven him here conjecture fails. 
But by his frown not fraughted well for us. 

Attendaistt. Ye, that upon this place now present 
stand, 
One here attends with message to you brought 
Of what hath chanced from Samson, for such gained 
While he the place inquired, for Timna bound; 
And now awaits assurance, here at hand. 

Messeis^gee. Men of Philistia, since that such ye are 
Appearance testifies, and rumor, say 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 43 

What city this, and who the habitants. 

Chorus. Think then at once inquiry satisfied, 
Though thou not yet declared, if Timna known, 
The habitation of the sons of Caphtor. 

Messengek. Then ye to whom the sad concern per- 
tains. 
Yet miserable, that to my lot should fall 
The dread relation strange to be imparted. 
Though haply to your ears by this the tale 
Hath come : so ill the news, it travels post. 

Chorus. Nothing we know in aught concerns us sad, 
Nothing to startle or astound, except 
Thy strange demeanor and thy outcry strange. 
As though on ours some dire mischance were fallen. 

Messenger. Nor far at variance deem thy guess from 
truth. 

Chorus. Intends thy speech the full significance ? 

Messenger. Not else esteem ; though yet so strange 
the event 
Occurring, slow belief will credit scarce. 

Chorus. I am curious how that riddle may import. 

Messenger. Perhaps thy wish gains unthought satis- 
faction. 

Chorus. Tell us at once; for so suspense in news 
Tortures, the worst at once were better known. 

Messenger. So dire a tale would soon proclaim 
itself, 
Nor ask a tongue. But, if to full repletion 
By rumor unconfirmed already filled. 
Urge not so hard, nor with so keen desire 
Seek what remains behind, lest evil tidings 
In full relation heard bring grief in surfeit. 

Chorus. Yet still set out thy news, whatever thou 
knowest. 

Messenger. Prom Ascalon I am hither, to which city. 
Past midday, as we kept about our thrift, 
Came Samson, peaceful then to us as seemed, 



44 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Thougli othendse the event approved, so dread, 

So direful; whom our rabble straight assailed, 

Matter of scorn to them and gaze, untried, 

Though not unheard from rumor and report. 

What dreadful might stored in those massy limbs. 

Yet for a time he seemed unchafed, but stood 

"With eyes fast fixed upon the ground, nor notice 

Gave, nor attention, to their insolent rout, 

As is their wont to strangers and alone. 

At last, with head erect, and eyes uplift 

That blazed with burning light and sparkles dire 

Shot forth, he uttered voice to this effect: 

Hitherto, as your inclination led. 

Ye have performed, and I unmoved beheld; 

N'ow in my turn I mean to try, if ye 

Stand as unmoved, while I my part acquit. 

So saying, nor with further voice vouchsafed. 

But stern regard on his tormentors bent, 

Fierce as a chafed wild boar from out the wood, 

When hounds and huntsmen, galling, rouse, he set, 

Single, unarmed, upon his enemies. 

Whom when among, smiting with mighty force. 

He felled to the earth, as mountain oaks and pines 

Felled by fierce winds, when, rushing forth from all 

The quartered earth, they vex the wilderness 

With forests whole crushed down or torn up sheer; 

So he whomever he chanced upon opposed 

Buffeted low, or, raised in air, dashed down 

With hazard of their heads and ruined sides. 

ISTone might with hope oppose, or long withstand 

Such onset, as, now roused and raging fierce, 

He seized on trunks, or limbs, or heads, or arms, 

And crushed, or bruised, or swung and dashed to death. 

Till thirty, of our choice and flower esteemed, 

Lay numbered slain ; till when his anger burned 

IJnslackened, unexhausted, unappeased. 

Lastly, such fierce destruction to oppose, 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 45 

Weening his trinmpli, since he thought recoiled 

And weary by so mighty number slain 

Who by his prowest acts had wrought such harm, 

Ahiman, of the mighty Anakim, 

Came towering, armed in gorgeous panoply, 

Helmet, and greaves, and brazen shield, and spear 

Whose staff a weaver's beam and massy head, 

Chalybean-tempered steel, a talent's weight, 

Cuirass and vantbrace, gauntlet, clad entire 

And cased from head to feet in perfect mail. 

Whom when he saw, disdaining, as before. 

Advantage save in strength, or weapon's aid, 

Samson, whom now transcendent valor raised 

To highest deeds, rushed in a tempest on ; 

And, little recked or none what warlike toils. 

Thrust spear, or brandished blade, or javelin poised. 

Threatened him, or what towering bulk opposed, 

The pillars main that bore the edifice 

Caught in his grasp, and tugging to and fro 

The haughty pile, with fierce convulsion shook, 

As waters pent, till down the structure drew. 

Felled to the ground in ruinous heap — a mass. 

Shattered and maimed and wrecked, of shuddering flesh, 

Crushed plate, and broken mail, and ruined sides, 

Mangled with ghastly hurts in head and limb 

Pent in and bruised by all his armor bent. 

After which fearful slaughter in our streets, 

Standing alone, since all had fled aloof 

Dreading yet harm, he raised a mighty voice 

And cried aloud : If hitherto ye sought 

Reason of what I do, since unprovoked 

By you esteemed, know that in Timna found 

Both these your robes and of my deed the cause. 

Or, if ye further seek and more desire, 

These tidings carry to your lords, intended 

My answer to their acts and vindication 

Of what themselves provoked and drew, which more 



46 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Fully the ill befallen ye can explain. 

Then, stripped their robes and as a burden placed. 

He, disappearing, vanished from our sight 

Suddenly, and as strangely as he came. 

Ye have the account of his performance, then, 

Full and complete, wherein if there be found 

Matter of joy, rejoice and gratulate. 

Choeus. fearful vengeance on thy foes inflicted, 
Samson, by proof strongest of mortal men ! 
Alas, if such thy tale, no cause of triumph 
In this appears, occasion more to wail 
And knock the breast ; nothing but ill and foul 
Xor aught to quiet in a loss so shameful. 
Xothing remains for joy, naught but dispraise, 
Dishonor, fear, and shame, and foes' contempt ; 
Since ne'er from one so dire a chance hath fallen us, 
Wherein no glimpse of hope, none of revenge 
On him, the dread occasion of our loss. 
And cause, with all best speed by this departed 
And from our borders passed beyond pursuit ; 
Since evening, rising now, begins to tell 
Her starry rubric. Xothing then remains, 
Nothing but lamentation then remains 
For so great loss, and after to confer 
With counsel plotting how to reach revenge, 
Since never overpassed with disregard 
So foul dishonor stuck upon our front. 
This day's disgrace, our sad reproach and shame. 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 47, 



SAMSON" AT TIMNA. 



THE ARGUMEl^T. 

Samson, his wife having been made the bride of 
another, his paran}rQiph, taketh vengeance by setting 
foxes and fire-brands among the corn and vineyards of 
the Philistines; who, either in revenge, or as an act of 
justice, burn the Timnite and his daughter. While 
conversing of his exploits with the chorus, his friends 
and comrades at Zorah, his mother enters, and begs him 
to be reconciled for their difference before the marriage 
at Timna. Samson hesitates, but at last consents, going, 
as it may be to his death, yet departing, before his father 
arrives, upon tidings of the outrage to his wife. Eor 
Samson, either desiring vengeance for the slight put 
upon him, or not accepting the deed as justice in full, 
parts to Timna, slays the Philistines with great slaugh- 
ter, and thence withdraws to the rock Etham. Manoah 
comes in during his son's absence, making inquiry of 
his whereabouts, explaining that he now desires to be 
reconciled to Samson for their difference at Timna. 
While thus occupied, a messenger, an Ebrew, entering, 
relates the story of Samson's exploits; and the drama 
concludes. 



THE PERSONS. 

Samson". 

Manoah, his father. 
His mother. 
FiEST Messengeb. 



48 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Second Messenger. 

Chorus of Danite Youths. 

Servant. 

The Scene, at Zoeah. 

Samson. what a swarm of restless thoughts 
aroused 
Awakens in me, while I contemplate 
From earliest years my strange eventful life, 
Well suiting to that mission high imposed ! 
For first, as I have heard my parents tell, 
My birth by messenger divine was brought 
Unto my mother, hitherto, though loth, 
Childless and barren, and before had prayed 
A son from Heaven, as she sat reposed 
Amid the field at cool decline of day. 
Then to my father, as much moved by doubt 
Of what the showing was, or vision true, 
Or false presenting as a pretext urged. 
Since open vision or prophetic dream 
Long since were not, and this might startle well 
With so strange tidings, hard for slow belief, 
A second message also was vouchsafed. 
Confirmed by solemn miracle, the seal 
And sign of truth: for when the kindling flame 
Rose with the sacrifice from off the altar. 
The angel, mounting, rode thereon to heaven, 
After conception sure of me foretold 
To free my nation, break her cruel foes. 
And so, when due time was, and all fulfilled, 
My birth arrived, as late declared, the earnest 
Of doubtful cherished hope. And this not all; 
For still in youthful years and yet a child, 
Heroic actions warmed my heart, when seeing 
My nation subject to their heathen lords. 
Myself ordained perhaps to set them free. 
That I should Israel from such yoke redeem, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 49 

My sacred task divine imposed from Heaven. 

At this perceived, my mother much rejoiced. 

Heartening thus my youthful hopes : son, 

Cherish thy thought so high, but not presumptuous. 

As might be deemed, since not as ordinary 

Thy birth, nor unannounced; for to me seated 

Amid the field, thence gone for solitude 

And prayer for children, childless then and barren. 

The messenger of God appeared, who told 

That thou shouldst be and when, thy mission high, 

To rescue Israel from Philistian yoke. 

Hence, I thy thoughts from earliest days have eyed. 

Awaiting what best time to set before thee 

That high annunciation and divine 

Mission on thee enjoined, that I might show thee 

Thy wondrous birth and dedicated life. 

But this remember sure, that in thy hair 

The sacred secret hangs both of thy might, 

Wondrous beyond compare, and safety placed. 

This, therefore, ponder well, that naught may tempt 

Thy ruin, and thou unadmonished fall. 

Then, when my years were grown to man, strange 

promptings, 
Fulfilment of my youthful thoughts, which yearned 
With highest hopes inflamed, that I perhaps 
Might free my nation from Philistine yoke, 
Eoused me to move among my enemies. 
The Caphtorim, those proud oppressors cruel. 
Where easy all their prowess I surpassed 
In tests of strength and strenuous feats displayed. 
That they, stirred up with quick revenge and hatred. 
Endeavored oft to get into their power 
The secret of my safety, sought in vain, 
Until, through passion frail and amorous snare. 
Once I beheld and loved, as they supposed, 
The daughter of the Timnian infidel. 
And sought her, though against my parents' wish. 



50 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Who saw this not, as I, as sent from God, 

Occasion of my glorious task enjoined, 

To be my wife — through passion? no, but urged, 

I knew not how, by movings unexplained. 

Certain in this, from God, and therefore followed 

Rightly, as his divine behest. Then going 

To claim my bride, the lion roared against me; 

But him I caught with mighty hold, and shore 

Easily off both hide and crested mane, 

Tearing him as he tore the yeanling kid. 

Whence was that riddle hard by me propounded, 

A\TLen to the place arrived, to those choice youth 

Assigned me as pretended friends, but spies 

And rivals by their actions after found 

To gain solution sought, long mused in vain, 

Last through foul sleight secured, my bride constrained 

To wrest from me and tell to them the secret 

That solved my riddle set, the pretext furnished 

My great work on our enemies begun; 

Of whom thrice ten, their flower and choice esteemed. 

At Ascalon I slew, bearing their robes 

To Timna, as the wagered forfeit won. 

Where, at my visitation last, her father 

My bride refused, upon my paranymph 

\\niom I had used my friend bestowed, averring 

To her my utter hate supposed, and offering 

Her younger sister, fairer claimed — a blot 

Purged by the fires the foxes bore, when flamed 

Both shock and standing corn with vineyards grown 

Amid the olive orchards, theirs, whose toil 

Had eared the field, as false adulteress found. 

And now I wait what further may be moved 

xVmong the Caphtorim, by this aroused 

More than the former insults on them offered, 

Certain of this that good to ours shall come 

Through yet occasion to hostility 

Upon our foes, herein so high incensed. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 51 

What this may be I know not now, perhaps 
Not need as yet, since in due time revealed; 
For what concerns me then God will disclose. 
But yonder through the trees I now discern, 
"With rivalry of steps that steer this way, 
A friendly troop, my chosen comrades dear, 
Auxiliars and associates to my hope, 
In many a hard task set my surest aid ; 
Whose purpose, if some sudden wonder move 
Now of their coming at this hour unused. 
Their fraught, whatever it be, will soon disclose. 

Chorus. Where shall we find whom long our search 

hath sought, 
But to our sorrow vain. 
Through all his wonted haunts and known familiar 

paths, 
In Zorah and the vale of Eshtaol, 
That witnessed his annunciation high 
And wondrous work enjoined; 
Then after saw his might prodigious grown 
To manhood, prime in strength. 
The promise well fulfilled of youthful years? 
There now perhaps he wanders, thus remote 
From sight of men, and meditates what more 
Upon our foes with vengeance to inflict. 
That may fulfil deliverance begun 
Of Israel, and our freedom lost restore, 
His mighty work foretold. 
And task from Heaven imposed. 
Mountains, and all ye caverns, that may hold 
Far in some deep recess 
Our mighty champion wandered. 
His earliest view at infancy and last 
Vision departing beheld. 
If anywhere he harbor in your fastness 
From us, him long awaiting, 
Restore him safe back to his friends and home ! 



52 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Samson". Comrades, and ye that seek, suppose your 
search. 
If whom ye sought I am, here finds an end. 

Chorus. Can this indeed be he. 
That famous, that blazed, 
Invincible Samson, promised long 
Our land^s deliverer ? whom we sought 
So long, our quest and baffled search, at last 
With joy and rapture beheld, 

Whose glorious might, our nation's bulwark reared, 
Unbroke by hostile brunt, discomfit fierce 
Wrought sore upon our foes. 
When thirty, their flower and choice. 
By Ascalon he slew, and thence approved 
Matchless in might, the miracle of men? 
And thus fulfilled that early promise, known 
Beyond question sure, 
When, to debate his path, the lion proud, 
Roaring against him, reared 
His mighty bulk opposed; 
But he, with violence insupportable 
Tearing him, cast aside 
The carcass, a hive for bees; 
The perplexed riddle set and stubborn test 
That taxed their utmost. 
And stumbled many, beyond question fallen. 
If thus, beyond our hope, 
To us indeed thou come, so long awaiting. 
Resolved at last of fears and timorous doubt, 
Say, then, what great intent had rapt thee from us. 

Samson. My mission known and purpose high im- 
posed 
On our dread lords and cruel foes impelled me 
To fresh occasions of hostility ; 
From which but now arrived and new returned, 
To me, your friend and comrade, as thou saidst, 
This grateful welcome comes as not unkindly. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 53 

After a passion cold and bed unchaste. 
What therefore ye would know, boldly inquire; 
And I, as far as may with self-esteem 
Consort, will satisfy your thoughts put forth. 

Chorus. Thy former actions on our foes performed 
To us think not unknown; for who so far 
Retired from frequent haunts of men, or tongue 
Of common fame, by notice as not known 
Thy bold deeds on our enemies performed. 
At least of thy own countrymen and kindred? 
To whom thy marriage-choice unfortunate 
In sad event, as seemed, not more unknown. 
Though most approve the consequence, averring 
Better no wife than one so faithless found; 
In which opinion also we concur. 
But such as thou yet lately hast accomplished, 
By common fame nor tidings yet arrived 
Brought to our ears, these news to us divulge, 
Since yet unheard from rumor or report. 
Much less the true relation and distinct. 
Wherein if aught be sad, as from thy words 
Thus much perhaps inferred, then share with us 
The full load of the sorrow that thou bearest, 
That fellowship in grief divide the smart. 
And not upon thy shoulders all the burden. 
Too much for one, as best becomes our office. 
Heartening with aid, as body, so of mind. 

Samson. Your purpose, friends, is kindly, and ap- 
proves 
A wonted zeal and care for my concerns. 
Though sore and hard desired recital given. 
For who could wish, though to whom friendly told, 
His own remorse and grief set forth, as thus 
Repeated and redoubled to more shame ? 
Yet fairly have ye asked, nor shall ye lose 
Desired relation, though old griefs, awaked 
By memory of those deeds, in fresh assault 



54 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Besieging, without intermission urge. 

Words, kindly meant, but unadvised cast forth. 

Salve not my sores, but, like unskillful hands 

That would but medicine, yet lack the art, 

To further aggravation only tend. 

Opening afresh a wound new-healed. Yet so, 

I shall delay desire nor slack in aught 

Relation of those deeds which God by me 

Singly hath done upon our conquerors. 

So told, as late accomplished, that, as due. 

Though ours the advantage all, to him the praise, 

Who of his special favor thus vouchsafed. 

Ye knew that I had chose my bridal choice, 

Prompted thereto by God, impulse divine, 

Among the daughters of the Caphtorim 

Idolatrous, unclean, unceremonial. 

Much to my parents' wish opposed, who saw not 

Herein, as I, as sent from God, occasion, 

My great work on our enemies begun. 

The task whereto I was proposed by Heaven. 

Hence they beset me sore, and urged me hard 

Such purpose to forego, and quite give over 

Intent so main esteemed against our laws. 

But I persisted blind, and would not see 

Or mother's tears or father suppliant. 

Deeming it ill-advised, if not unfaithful, 

After impulse divine, prompted by God, 

My mission to forsake, or now draw back 

Prom this great entering on my task proposed. 

Thus recreant to that high injunction given; 

J^or still repent me of my choice, by God 

Urged and set on, though costing all that pain 

Of wedlock infidelity endured; 

Which, though foreseen not, still approved as fair, 

If so Heaven's purposes may best be furthered. 

My mission, and great being here on earth. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 55 

Chorus. Yet furthered thus my mind misdoubts, 
against 
God's strictest law and thy vowed purity 
To seek a bride of stock idolatrous, 
Uncircumcised, unchaste — a thing forbid. 
Scandalous, and esteemed as like unworthy 
Our nation or our God, and in our law 
With pains and penalties severest punished. 
Yet disregarded late by some, who mix, 
In such ill-mated marriage as obtains. 
Their blood with heathen, which abhor to join. 
Join with result thou seest, our nation slaved 
And painful servitude. Well then may chance 
That thou upon thyself draw'st thy own ills. 
And more shalt draw, by this uncounselled act 
So bias to our customs and our laws. 
Yet so it may turn out, since thy intent 
Found worthy, that God will of favor rule 
Good from this act to come, not else ordained. 

Samson. All things are best done when they may be 
best. 
And as they may be ; means not much import ; 
So they suffice the time, no question needs. 
If wrong herein were found, God had not so 
Have prompted or permitted to an act 
Against his own best good and highest end 
That champion, for this purpose reared express, 
To free his nation from their chiefest foes ; 
So by this act his contradiction proving 
By evil wrought for good; not thought of God. 

Choeus. I oft had wonder at thy marriage-choice, 
Since of thy own tribe women given so fair 
Who willingly had yoked with thee in bonds ; 
The more, because thy separation known 
To God, and mission, motioned to forbid 
License or choice to thee, else overlooked 
With small respect, or unregarded quite. 



56 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

But now thy vouclied permission and command 
Might well excuse in thee, if else, a fault 
]^ot to be overpassed or unrespected 
In one by Heaven^s gifts adorned so highly, 
And more in one to such great service missioned. 

Samson". Then to the feastful marriage gone, my 
father 
Abused, as known, departed thence in anger. 
Because I would not, for that insult offered, 
AVreak vengeance upon those who thus had ventured 
Violence on him ; deeming not as yet 
Sufficient provocation, since to me 
N'o breach of faith, nor that Heaven-gifted strength, 
Bestowed to public benefit, not private 
Respect, here justly used. Nor still was ripe 
My purposed deed, since yet my sire and kindred 
Sojourned at Timna, which on them should draw 
My punishment provoked, if, they found present, 
Violence I presumed; whence came that breach 
Between us opened, nor yet closed entire. 
But when I saw my bride unchaste and faithless, 
My secret on fair pretext gained, then basely 
Given to my spies and rivals, and perceived 
Impudently and with what insolence 
Their faith-breach first confessed, then of their lords, 
By them set on and urged unto the act. 
Knowing by this all put on enmity, 
Since disregarded quite their solemn faith, 
Toward them I dealt as enemies, where chanced. 
And parting thence to Ascalon, I slew 
Thirty, their flower and choice, bearing their robes 
To Timna, as their wagered forfeit set; 
Whence parted, here in anger I returned. 
But she, the hateful source of all that strife. 
My bride espoused and wed, unknowing taken 
From me, as basely was bestowed upon 
My paranymph^ whom I had used my friend, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 5;r 

Exampling well boasted Philistian faith, 
Unfaittif-ul, -unregarded, -unobserved. 
Therefore, in time of harvest parted hence 
And thither passed, I found my bride refused, 
Espoused another, and, which was far worse 
Than insult yet presumed, her father proffered 
A younger sister, fairer, in her stead. 
Either by way of justice, though thus viewed 
Scarcely, or else, which seems presumption fairer 
And to "their apter mind, more to enrage, 
Already chafed and sore, my passion roused. 

Chokus. But for such dire affront and insult studied, 
Ere this perhaps, thou mad^st some dreadful way 
To satisfy the full of thy revenge. 

Samsoi^. I paid my enemies in their own coin, 
No counterfeit, be sure, as this may show. 
For, after their pretended given amends, 
iN'ot to be so deceived, nor cheated yet 
Of what by right my own, nor still to show 
Affection, then unfelt for one so faithless. 
Yet more than the Philistines blameless found 
Though unto them so sore displeasure done. 
With friendly aidance furnished, thrice a hundred 
Poxes I caught, yoked two and two with brands 
Fast-fixed, that, touched with nimble fire, shot forth 
Flames thick and fast among the vines and corn. 
They, as they ran, with heat incestuous seized 
Whatever adverse chanced, which violate, 
Both vines and standing corn adulteress played. 
Cheating whose hard-used toil had eared the field, 
(Their falsities in turn how well repaid!) 
Nor ceased, until that marriage-ransom given 
At least not to the takers more remained. 
Of what from this may spring, or how their lords 
Will move, no doubt herein so high incensed, 
I have no thoughts, but still of this feel certain ; 
Not long will they endure so foul affront 



58 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Put on them, and not move somewhat in answer. 

If by no more set on than merest shame ; 

To me the sooner come the better liked, 

Since thus occasion to hostility 

Means what but freedom reft sooner regained? 

God having long since justly given them up 

Por their delusions and idolatries 

Into our hand, had we not headlong followed 

To idols, and transgressed command imposed 

So strictly, as not lightly to be held ; 

Nor humbled yet ourselves, but persevered 

To evil, though God oft of favor raised 

Deliverers, by us as oft contemned. 

Choosing ignoble ease to strenuous freedom, 

(0 folly, and extreme of weakness found!) 

Who, with a tithe of valor shown before. 

Might easily have shaken off their yoke 

And ruled o'er them, as they o'er us now rule. 

But vile unmanly weakness held us bound 

To serve; servility rewarded well 

With servitude and servile punishment. 

Chokus. Thy deeds heroic bring to mind 
How famous champions else, by Heaven endued, 
With strenuous effort have assayed 
To free their nation from a cruel yoke. 
The mighty Gideon, nor so far 
By time removed, brave Jephtha famed; 
Others of less renown, but equal merit. 
Bold Shamgar, Anath's son, and later named, 
Barak and Tola, 
Champions yet approved, 
Though of their fame unlike memorial known. 
Yet these, ungratefully received. 
Ungrateful more were left, despised, suspected 
By whom their valor freed, deserving 
Far better thanks repaid, 
Which yet their lot obtained, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 59 

Than shame and shown contempt on glorious deeds. 
Yet these in part achieved ; reserved perhaps 
For thee, our known deliverance raised, 
And thence acceptable found, as fit, 
Our total reprieve to accomplish. 

Samson". Yet to the men of Israel not so. 
Witness their slack indifference to my deeds, 
Worse than their hate, or envy, or suspicion 
To me, their great deliverer ordained; 
Rather than whom receive, they sit in bonds, 
Under a hateful yoke, abject, despised, 
Disglorified and shamed, disprized, dishonored. 
Though to what glorious freedom once designed. 
Yet so perhaps God's purpose high fulfilled. 
Time to himself best known and instrument, 
If by a single arm their bondage broken. 
That his be all the praise, none due to them. 
Who held so faithless covenant express 
Unworthy, unregarded, unobserved, 
And God's high gifts despised as valued naught. 

Chokus. Dark are the ways of God, 
And darkly ordained 
His counsels, yet his purpose vindicate. 
Designed our test of faith 
And trial of fortitude. 
He had not else, except his counsel served, 
Prolonged our expectation 
With sure deliverance offered thus postponed, 
Nor left so long unsuccored 
His chosen people under heathen yoke 
Abject, unworthy, despicable, vile. 
So chosen once to rule 
The land where now they serve. 

Semi-choeus. But they forsook his yoke, though 
just and mild, 
And bowing down to worship wood and stone. 
The work of human hands, 



6o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Served after other gods, 

Brutish and foul, Baal and AshtarotH, 

With others many more, 

The dark idolatries among the heathen round, 

Insensate, and provoked their Living Strength 

To turn away his holy eyes 

And leave them to his judgments; 

Who, thus incensed, hath justly given them up 

To serve the worshippers who served their gods. 

But they repented not, nor yet sincere 

Received the mighty ministers he raised 

To their deliverance; 

But treacherously dealt, and God contemned, 

Which caused them added woe. 

And wrought their deeper shame. 

To extreme pitch of ahject fortune fallen. 

Semi-chorus. So let not like ingratitude afSict thee, 
Samson, by trial proved 
Strongest of mortal men; 
Rather may he, whose minister thou art 
And mighty imaged strength. 
Regard thy toils, and to thy labors place, 
For thus he only can. 
As to thy hopes thus far, successful end. 

Chorus. But see ! from forth the house retired. 
With face where hope and fear contend, 
Thy mother comes; advise 
With her what converse thou holdest. 

Samson". Her fraught I part may guess, though still 
unknown. 

Chorus. Some sorrow, needs, for so her looks infer. 
Fallen and dark, and doubtful speech essayed. 
Which, ere it frame to words, the pausing tongue 
Dissolves to sighs. But now she moves to speak. 

Mother. With lingering steps and doubtful sad 
persuasion 
I came, still fearful of thy absence, Samson ; 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 6i 

Whom when I knew, belief would credit scarce 
What ears had evidenced and eyes received, 
My dearest expectation thus returned 
Beyond my thought, the crown of all my hope. 
And now, arrived from some great purpose done 
Upon our foes, for thus far I infer, 
Knowing thy task divine on thee imposed. 
Grant me, as first to these perhaps, relation 
Of what remarkably thou late hast done. 
That, as thy youthful hopes I shared, fulfilment 
I now may share by this recital given 

Samson. Since ended scarce to these my actions done, 
Defer request, when more convenient time 
Permits relation fuller, that, alone 
With thee, if once again my deeds recited 
To thy sole ear, I shall not seem to boast. 
As haply so, if now again recounted 
Those high exploits upon our foes performed ; 
Which would convert my glory to contempt. 
Though worthy all renown and highest praises, 
To ridicule and scorn, with laughter moved 
Of all who heard, and shameful title gained 
Of babbler, on my front the mark of fool. 
Doughty in words, not deeds, which of themselves 
Declare their doer^s praise, if praise attached, 
But savoring thus dishonor done to God, 
Rancor and pride, impatience of renown, 
That comes itself unsought, if truly so. 
And on my mission drawn dispraise deserved — 
The height of folly found, and height of sin. 

MoTHEE. Then, thus returned from purpose high 
achieved 
Upon our enemies, as from report 
Thus much I gather, grant me, as of old. 
Though with event less to repine, be hoped. 
My first petition, Jephtha's daughter given 
Up to his vow, a maiden consecrate. 



62 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Virgin and dedicated all her days — 

Thus thou my prayer accept, and to thy father 

Be reconciled, who, hoping against hope 

Of thy forgiveness granted, knowing both. 

His great indignity on thee and thy 

As strong resentment roused contrar}^, hopes 

Thy pardon, and through me desires be made 

Reconciled to his son, whom yet he loves. 

Samson. I did not, mother, at the first offend; 
Nor do I now, as then I did not, hold 
Resentment, though such well might be provoked 
By such offence, and in such presence offered, 
Debased among my fellows, disesteemed 
With lack of filial seeming thus avouched. 
ISTor am I loth in aught, if might be healed 
The wide breach opened by his acts between us, 
Nor, still the fault not mine, yet closed entire. 
But I am not as when by due and custom 
Pardon to seek the first was mine, the offence 
Rightly not so, with reconcilement moved, 
As to superior power owing reverence. 
Which well might sort with youthful duty held. 
But now a man mature and grown to years. 
With rights and honors rightly due to man. 
Somewhat belongs to me of self-regard, 
Self -estimation ; which if thus my father 
Has disrespected, as offence not mine. 
So also the first suit for pardon not. 
Nor easily to grant, as slight offended. 

MoTHEE. Yet still bethink thee, son ; though here be 
deemed 
Some nice regard to thy asserted right. 
As to thy proper guidance now arrived. 
He is thy father still, to whom belong. 
As first by debt of nature, now of age. 
Thy duty and thy service and thy love ; 
Which bonds by time relaxed not, what thy years, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 63 

Constrain thee, son, against thy present holding, 
Both to my granted prayer and his forgiveness. 
'Not can I think thy mind, though stubborn now 
And firm of purpose, long will persevere 
Against that better-natured self, thy wont, 
As by entreaty moved and mother^s asking, 
So now, as first, a son obedient. 

Samsoist. I cannot else reply than what I have. 
And still retain that dignity of soul 
With self -esteeming thought, my pride and weakness, 
If rightly judged a weakness, and not rather 
The sure strength and most firm prop to the mind, 
Which lacking, lacks all worthy objects else; 
For, where esteem of self is wanting, wants 
Respect of others, nor is ever won, 
Until the dignity, that builds within. 
Create an awe and conscience of true worth. 
Informing both the soul and outward sense. 
ISTor can I do my conscience thus far wrong 
As plead a fault, wherein no fault exists 
By my esteem and right esteem of all. 
To pleasure thee, a mother yet known dear. 
And this, my purpose, fixed and firmly held 
Despite what yet thou hadst to bear against. 
May teach thee to desist thy vain attempt. 
As found before, to move, with reason armed, 
Truth on my side and justice, as thou seest. 
Thus, with my quarrel righteous, trebly proof. 

Mother. Is this thy final answer, then, returned? 

Samson. So take it ; with what sad reluctance given. 

MoTHEE. I ,am sorry how that stubbornness may 
cost thee, 
Samson, so persevered against regard 
Had to his proffered suit, by me so proffered 
As to thy right meet estimation had; 
Nothing but ill, be sure ; which, though repented, 
Shall not escape whatever consequence, 



64 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

When thou in act, not less than apprehension; 
Shalt feel the pangs of love repulsed severe, 
Or to thyself some like offence presumed. 
The rights that love obtains regarded not 
Or outraged by some foul indignity. 
Which on thyself in no long time shall fall 
Perhaps, when thou too late repent'st thy crime. 
My warning then regarded, but too late. 

Samsois. My crime it is, thou sayest, not first to 
move 
Repentance, and first reconcilement seek 
Now with my father, at thy instance urged. 
Rather than disregard entreaty thus. 
Though of thy asking. Stands there no excuse 
Then on my part, no cause or reason found? 
Was it no injury by him presumed, 
When at the marriage-feast and all in sight 
Of those who stood attending, bridal friends 
And comrades to my nuptials, in their presence 
Who waited to exult over my ill. 
Thus to debase me, slight me, and forego me. 
Insult, denounce me with reproaches heaped 
Of cowardice and heart unvalorous — 
The chief indignity of youth, and shame — 
Lastly to disinherit and disown me, 
Cut ofi from hope of honor, disavow me. 
With infamy upon my name denounced? 
Yet, after these indignities, and worse, 
Heaped on me with contempt, to sue his grace 
With pardon moved, beseech his love renewed 
And favorable face, his due offence 
Mine, not as his, accompt — the extreme reproach, 
Yet with assurance on me now presumed ? 
If access to my pardon thou hast sought. 
An erring way thou took'st. I will not grant it. 

MoTHEE. Be circumspect, and of thy honor nice, 
But urge not to thy own contrition, Samson; 



[TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 6$ 

Deplore the fault, but not so rigorous hold 

Against the offender, whose extreme fault goes 

No further than a certain over-haste 

And heat, or ardor, in his right presumed, 

Not fitting to his age or place, perhaps, 

Nor due to some defect of mind, inferred 

Broken with age or over-worn, but rather 

The workings of a pride surprised and hurt 

By question or denial of authority 

Once had, and still presumed, still thought possessed. 

Hence, rather than raise anger or despite. 

It should obtain indulgence, make for pardon. 

As but the spark the virtuous temper strikes. 

Random and hasty, not the settled blaze 

Of steady hate, unquenchable, untamed ; 

And will so, in the truly noble mind. 

Samson. Thou arguest aimless ; since thou canst not 

know 
The just cause and due motive to my wrath. 
Not present on the place, nor knowing aught 
The offensive, unextenuate circumstance. 
Hadst thou been there, or here the fault, thou wouldst 

not 
Have wonder at my anger or fixed mind 
Not to sue first or reconcilement move, 
No cause of wrong in me or error found; 
Rather wouldst well approve and right aver. 
What I had done deserved no such return, 
Nor wouldst thou, in my place, gloss it o'er thus. 
Then cease to urge me more with pardon moved; 
Thy labor is but lost. I will not grant it. 

Mother. I do not, son, reproach thee that thou 

bearest 
O'eihesLYy on his charge, for his default 
Exact'st too much, too far thy right presumest, 
That thou thyself rejected'st and disowned'st 
First, ere thy father, and regarded'st not 



66 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

God or thy country^s law, that still forbade 

That false league with thy country's foe conjoined 

Of wedlock, to thy ills the fount and source 

Now proving ; not thus far my wrath extends. 

But yet I tell thee thou hast wrong, if thus 

Thou stand upon thy due, and give no heed 

To kindly admonition or reproof. 

Intended for thy good and welfare best. 

I thought thy ill-event in marriage-choice 

Had taught thee some regard unto my word, 

Then disregarded vsdth result thou seest; 

But now I see some false imagined pride 

Of thy due right and honor nicely held 

Weighs with thee more than all that I can say. 

And though I thought to do thee some small service 

Between thy father, I am moved to leave thee 

Unto that curse by him on thee pronounced. 

And add my own, to see how then may prosper 

That high pride against curses doubly heaped. 

Yet thou art still my son; that still forbids 

What I with fond presumption thought to do ; 

By which relation strongly I adjure thee 

Now with thy father to be reconciled; 

For he is more in years than thou, and deems it 

Not his to make suit unto thee, nor move 

First reconciliation with his son. 

As to his age and office an indignity. 

Though thou couldst not before, yet canst thou now 

Respect thy mother's tears, which how they flow 

Thou seest, to leave thy stubborn purpose held 

By suit for pardon, now in time besought? 

And who knows to what perils thou must go 

By reason of thy mighty deeds achieved 

Upon our enemies, thy task assigned? 

Shouldst thou not stronglier do, and more achieve, 

If by our prayers and wishes seconded, 

Than striving against what ill curse may fall 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 67 

From God, because of thy refusal shown 

To grant what still from him thou must receive, 

Through thy temptation fallen, nor restored? 

Consider, then, if well thou canst withhold 

What for thyself in no long time besought, 

And of another be not more exacting. 

So found in like offense, than of thyself. 

Samson. Give o'er thy tedious siege, thus only 
found 
To this time, uneffectual, unavailing. 
Despite what powerfulest thou couldst bear, 
And like to end as vain, so fixed my mind. 
So armed, so proof against extreme assault; 
I cannot, and I will not, grant thy asking. 

Mother. Have I besought, and vainly then besought 
thee. 
Humbled myself, where well I might command, 
Implored thy easiest gift, yet find me scorned. 
Denied, repulsed as thou wert not my son, 
111 treated worse than by an enemy. 
The pains, which purchased dear thy life, bemocked, 
And what thy constant love had well secured. 
Yet now as naught regarded, valueless ? 
0, why do men, in whom the spirit pretends 
Of wisdom, with no due regard or fear 
Before them, by example still untaught, 
Implore, beseech, and beg desirable 
The doubtful gift of children, fondly deeming 
Barrenness found in wedlock a reproach? 
For, when with answered prayer and given request 
Obtained, our anxious life is filled entire 
With fears, if well or ill they shall turn out. 
And oftest shall, be sure, the latter end. 
Unkindly, unregardful, slack in duty, 
Or, worse, a deep reproach and wounding shame; 
And, if by death deprived, what surcease then 
Of sorrow, loveless, joyless, desolate, 



68 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Nothing desirable in life, and death 
Not ready, though so ready found before ? 
Which direst woe hath brought to human life. 
And shall bring, by experience unschooled; 
But some ill destiny or nature's bent 
Impels. Which now my bitter lot obtains, 
One son, and one by one too many found. 

Choeus. Samson, if we may venture, nor oSend 
By privilege of friendship ventured thus 
And wonted old regard, consider well, 
If rightly thou refuse thus tendered offer 
To reconcile, while yet occasion serves, 
And pardon move, while yet in time thou mayest, 
Before too late, and vainly then, besought. 

Samsoit. I had no thoughts to have replied again 
To what thou mayest have said, but thy strong sorrow 
And ruthful passion felt the like have raised 
In me, though not to overbear my purpose. 
Going into such peril, as thou saidst. 
But though I cannot all concede thee, yet 
Thus far I grant thee, though thus only, that 
To thy entreaty so much I will yield. 
As to be reconciled, if he will seek. 
More than this can I not, nor ask thou more. 

MoTHEE. If this thy resolution, to no cause 
My supplications, which I cease, perforce. 
Vain only, and of such prevailment found 
As idle breath breathed forth against the wind; 
But, going to thy father, wiU entreat 
Thus far forbearance and his duty owed 
As to forego his elder right, and sue thee 
For pardon, as his first offence requires. 
"Wherein with him if better I succeed not 
Than now with thee, matters no worse at least. 
If not improved, as yet my hope assures 
Of my entreaty more to him preferred, 
By me assailed as lightly not refused; 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 69 

Which now shall first concern me. So, farewell. 

Samson. Misdeem not, friends, if herein I persist 
Perhaps beyond what just and right were known, 
To disregard entreaties deemed so dear; 
But after slight so sore and unprovoked 
If pardon asked, not mine the first to move. 
And reconcilement seek with what amends. 
I had not else have kept what faith and honor 
Due to myself I owe, and before you. 
After the full relation heard, had fallen 
With disesteem; for, where offence thus great 
Easily pardoned, what can else be deemed. 
Save that who pardon grants himself thus values 
Cheaply, or none at all; which I could not. 
And still retain what self-esteem I have; 
I should have so lost all virtuous regard. 

Chorus. Thy conduct still approves thy wisdom, 
Samson, 
Herein to reconcile thyself, though late, 
Eepenting thee the former mind thou hadst 
I^ot to be first to move, or herein grant 
Wished reconciliation; for who knows. 
Which late thy mother said to move thy mind, 
What perilous adventures unforeseen 
Await thee, now our lords so justly roused 
By thy late acts more than thy former offered? 
For they will not defer to wreak their vengeance 
So as to touch thee nearly, if perhaps 
To quell thy hostile force, having once learned 
Thy harass bold upon their land presumed. 

Samson. It cannot be too soon by my desire. 
The sooner come the better to my liking, 
For this express and purpose moved against them, 
To tempt them to their ruin who provoked 
Justly God's anger by his chosen slaved. 
Whatever, then, their sudden valor prompt. 
Let them set on, to try whose found the stronger. 



70 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Their god, or whom Israel's sons adore; 
Then, after trial had, let him be boasted 
Whose champion's prowess best approves his own. 
Chokus. gloried strength, the means by Heaven 
endued 
To our deliverance, 
As God oft before 
In his high purpose raised 
Mighty deliverers 

To free his nation from the heathen and profane. 
Who out of smallest things had well ordained 
Unquenchable force to quell the oppressor's violence. 
The boisterous power of evil men, 
When, all their arms and mighty force contemning, 
On them surprised, amazed. 
Reft of defence. 

And by their folly to their ruin drawn. 
So smitten with wrath divine. 
He executes his errand of destruction. 

Yet so his purpose high he oft delays, 
Proving his instrument 
As fit to his great purpose 
By trial unsupposed. 

Some testing of his means, if they suffice 
To serve his mighty mission 
And counsel high decreed; 
Yet in the happy trial if unmoved 
And stedfast fixed his faith. 
By peril or dread unshaken. 
But purposed resolute, 
He in return wants not some witness left, 
Some glorious proof of high regard bestowed 
And favor shown by Heaven. 

Which haply known thy lot and chance endured, 
Samson, by proof esteemed 
Strongest of mortal men, 



lTamar and other poems 71 

Subjected thus to what indignities 

The tyranny of fortune can inflict; 

Though yet may God avert. 

If so his counsel 

His purpose serve, 

Prom thee, our freedom chosen 

And mighty champion raised; 

Though if he else determine, 

His counsel still his cause will vindicatef. 

But now I see approaching 
One whose garb disordered 
And altered mien proclaim 

N^o doubtful news of what may late have chanced, 
Perhaps the consequences of thy deed. 
He will not far defer, nor much delay 
His tidings, whatsoe'er he may have gained; 
Which to receive expect ere no long time. 

Messengee. Samson, for so I knew thee by report, 
If yet these eyes had not thy might beheld, 
Tidings I have that touch thy near concern, 
More than perhaps thou mayest imagine now, 
And far of other import than thou deemest; 
So best related to thy ear alone. 

Samson. Sad must they be supposed, or joyful 
rather 
Esteemed, as to demand sole audience thus? 

Messengee. Sad to the sad, but to the joyful not; 
Among which latter known I reckon thee. 

Samson. So much the less relation asks delay. 

Messengee. So with like surety of the present audi- 
ence. 

Samson. Put forth thy tale; no hesitation needs; 
Friendly are all who stand, as like to hear. 

Messengee. Hither from Timna come I, where oc- 
casions 
Drew me of late ; there, as my business sped, 
Following the distant quest of some stray beast, 



^2 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Came rumors of thy acts, whicli had laid waste 
That harassed region whence thy bride thou hadst. 
Meanwhile thy bridal friends, with others more — 
For so I learned from such as present stood — 
By soon inquiry gained thy motive thereto, 
Thy bride by marriage faith-breach with false bed 
To thee unchaste, came up, her only seeking 
Who had provoked thy anger, thus unchaste. 
But when they knew her father so concerned 
In her unchastity and wrested oath. 
By him bestowed upon thy paranymph 
Whom thou hadst used thy friend, excuse averring 
To her thy utter hate and shown contempt, 
WTiich argued thee no more her wedlock mate 
And thee no more regarding her as thine, 
Not that they much repented thy aSront 
But dreaded repetition of thy deed. 
Either to clear from their connival deemed 
The guilt of wedlock bands thus disallied. 
Of terror else to strike into their foe 
Who by his prowest deeds had wrought their harm, 
With fire they burned her and her father's house. 
Yet here to thee no cause of grief supposed, 
Though nearly in the sad event concerned 
Fortunate to have lost so faithless bride; 
Eather more cause for joy to have escaped. 

Chorus. Stand not so mute, Manoah's mighty son. 
As sore offended by such tidings heard, 
Or by pretended sorrow much distressed, 
Since here not due the wonted signs of grief 
That custom for so near a death demands. 
Or happiness, or what, forbids thy utterance? 
Not sorrow, to have heard so joyful tidings. 

Samson. Alas, that favor high, to have received 
Command from Heaven imposed. 
As missioned to some great service. 
And by some acts of valor in part approved. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 73 

If now to me, God's minister ordained 

And mighty imaged strength, 

Such insult ventured 

And foul affront presumed 

By heathen and profane. 

Thus disesteemed as naught who me commissioned ! 

Was it for this those tidings high descended 
By messenger divine. 
Who charioted flaming from the altar 
After my birth foretold 
And mission high asserted. 
To break my nation's cruel foes. 
Task thus divinely set. 
As with attest of Heaven destined 
To some great work and glory. 
By hopes beyond heroic thus inflamed? 
Yet now, alas, forsaken. 
Thrust out to foes' contempt 
Whose might I was ordained to quell, 
All helpless left 
To irreparable sense of shame ! 
Thus given to draw out miserable days, 
To foes ridiculous, 
A gazed and pitied object 
To all my friends and kindred. 
As not of force such insult to return 
Redoubled on my foes ! 

Rather than which endured, so shameful, vile 

Wound to my name esteemed 

Beyond all hoped relief. 

This one petition, might I but be heard. 

Some direful death, or evil end, 

Or aught, if aught, more dread 

Than lost unknown, ignoble. 

So cut off from remembrance of my shame ; 

To me the cure of my great woes regarded 

And welcome end of all my miseries. 



74 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Choeus. All is of God, to some great end ordained. 
Though darkened oft by doubt, 
If so his purpose best his counsel serve; 
Who, as a trial had of faith 
And tested fortitude, 
Submits to some affliction 
His chosen, that his glory may appear 
More glorious and his counsel vindicate, 
"WTien, after testings hard, he them appoints 
Enlarged deliverance, 
For their fault repented 
Favor renewed, 
Tempering so his justice with his mercy. 

Which haply found thy chance and lot appointed, 
Samson, thus visited 
With what indignities 
The tyranny of fortune may afflict. 
Deject not, therefore, overmuch 
Thyself, as lost entire 
And wholly given to shame; 
Think to thy ill some good, however small, 
Conjoined at least, since now no longer found 
Thy linked and wedlock mate 
One so foully disregarding 
The faith of marriage-bands; 
Better thy lot, endured whatever, thus freed, 
Though by so hard mischance. 
From her the cause of all thy miseries ; 
Whom to have lost esteem thee fortuned highly. 
And willingly receive what grief conjoined. 

Samson. Ay me ! so soon that direful punishment 
"Visited on her disregarded faith ? 
Yet none to plead for mercy, and no place 
For pardon found ? Stood there not one her friend, 
One on her part? Must all have thus conjoined 
To her destruction, all in hate conjoined? 
Which, had I present stood, had else not been, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 75 

Or more had rued the bitter consequence. 
But here no place for words or boastful talk; 
Rather by deeds to learn if disregarded 
Marital rights and dues a husband holds 
With wanton outrage unprovoked presumed, 
Yet no return attempted. They shall feel 
Soon my displeasure heavy and fierce wrath 
Upon their heads, whose craft no further knew 
Than slaughter of the unoffending helpless 
To satisfy the vengeance their own acts 
Of faithlessness and broken league provoked. 
Nor on the unsuspecting innocent 
Redounds this punishment, but they, whose acts 
Offended, thy shall feel what wrath themselves 
Drew on them with unlooked for, dire return. 
Which now shall be my task, when preparation 
Suffices to my matters ordered right. 

Choeus. Consider, Samson, to what chance thou 
goest. 
If perilous attempt thus draw thee forth. 
All by this roused, thou seest, as not before ; 
And hardly shall they deal toward thee, the cause 
Of all their harm, by this their deed performed 
Thy ruin thence intended, in the snare 
So easy drawn, if singly thou adventure 
Among thy enemies thus fierce aroused. 
Forego thy purpose, or, if still thou hold. 
Select at least some friendly aid who, under 
Thy conduct, will assist to thy revenge. 
And thus insure thy safe deliverance owed, 
As our foretold deliverance, to thy nation. 
And not to so rash valor victim fall, 
As well might chance, if singly thou adventure. 

Samson. Thy words are not unreasoned, but they 
fail 
Of purpose either that I should forego. 
Or share with proffered aid the high emprise. 



^6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

For what dread danger can so sore beset, 

As menace or much threat with serious harm 

Him to his land^s foretold deliverance raised? 

And to whom else, or by whose hand more fitly, 

Than who received the insult, either due, 

Or with stern compt exacted the revenge. 

Through what dread perils or shrewd toils pursued? 

Which if on one presumed, so much the more. 

If equal force suflScient in him found, 

Boldly, through opposition whatsoever, sought. 

I, therefore, I alone will undertake 

The hazardous attempt, if hazard be. 

And not redounded glory on the deed. 

My presage, nor with other share the shame 

If I shall fail, or praise if I succeed. 

Nor long shall separate so sudden purpose 

E'ow entertained from swift accomplishment; 

Which good or ill fallen out expect soon tidings. 

Chorus. Go, and be Israel's God 
Thy sure defence and shield. 

And strengthen thee with might in the inner man, 
That thou fail not; 
With us may he abide, 
Who, reft of thee, know double need 
Of succor and the Almighty's firm defence. 
But now I see Manoah here approaching 
With hasty steps, thus doubtless come to seek 
Reconcilement desired; though tardy moved 
Repentance, since his son new parted hence. 
This his intent or no we now shall learn. 

Manoah. Friends to my son, since that ye are 
appears 
Both from report and what before I held, 
If anywhere he harbor hereabout. 
To me, his father, as perhaps ye thought, 
Impart some tidings of his presence known. 
Approving both your friendship to my son 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ^^^ 

And me, his erring sire, but now repentant. 

Chorus. Thy son stood here but now, and parted 
hence, 
Bound on a mission hardy and obscure. 
Upon some tidings that concerned him nearly. 
About his soon return or no, I know not; 
But how the event fell out he promised notice. 

Manoah. What news so sudden hath bereft him 
hence ? 

Chorus. Touching his bride some tidings late 
arrived. 

Manoah. Evil were they, or well pronounced and 
fair? 

Chorus. Both good and evil as the circumstance. 

Manoah. But how with him ? well took he them, or 
hardly ? 

Chorus. Not hardly, though he purposed quick 
revenge. 

Manoah. And parted suddenly, so late returned? 

Chorus. But now he stood just here, and now is 
gone. 

Manoah. I am curious what this mystery imports. 

Chorus. What it portends in part I may reveal. 
But cannot all, for still the sequence doubtful. 
Shortly ere thou arrived, came one returned 
From Timna with strange tidings unsuspect. 
That told how to requite thy son's incursions 
Upon our foes, the Caphtorim came up 
With gathered powers to inquire the cause 
Of his bold deeds and forays on them done. 
Whereto was answered that because her father 
His bride had late bestowed upon his friend 
And paranymph, thus disregarding quite 
His due esteemed, therefore he had begun 
The harass of their land, as in revenge. 
Whereat incensed both at the deed and cause, 
Or as an act of justice known inflicted. 
Or of revenge in turn designed, or both. 



78 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

With fire they burned her and her father's house. 
Whence he, in turn aroused and worse provoked, 
Hath parted hence, on our dread enemies 
Requital for so foul affront to seek. 

Manoah. Went he in wrath, as though in passion 
crossed, 
Or rather in his face and mien appeared 
Sad resolution settled, as who seeks 
ISTot rashly, but with hate plotting revenge ? 

Chorus. A while he stood uncertain what to do, 
But stood not long; wrath prompted him at length, 
And rage to find his rights deprived of husband 
Roused him the more and to a fiercer vengeance 
Upon his foes to a worse doom reserved. 
Breathing out wrath he went, nor would accept 
Offered assistance, but departed straight 
Upon the purpose bound which we have said ; 
Yet not so soon as not with promised tidings 
Of how the event fallen out, or good or ill. 

Manoah. Ay me ! too late I then arrived, too late, 
Both to forgive and be forgiven in turn 
By him now gone whom present I forgave not 
And wished not here, yet now forgive to find 
Not present whom to find I now would seek. 
But so my folly is my punishment, 
My stubbornness my shame, and worse becomes 
If he return and wounded with my coldness 
Not wish forgiveness, or if, ill befallen him. 
He never shall return, but sooner perish 
Than my repentance tardy might prevent 
With knowledge of my recompence, though late 
With what amends were in my power, that thence 
More eased in mind and somewhat raised he part; 
Which now becomes my torment and my shame. 
Yet my just punishment and due confessed 
That have refused occasion, till too late. 

Chorus. If aught of consolation may be drawn 
J^rom this, take what for thee may be obtained, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 751 

How small. His mother late, as thou hast known 

Perhaps, came to this place, and urged him hard 

To seek with thee first reconciliation. 

Avouching that from th}^ superior age 

Thou wouldst not make suit unto him, nor move 

First reconcilement, but still ready stood 

To grant his pardon if he would but seek. 

He also was thus minded, and refused 

To entertain such thought, as first to move; 

But rather seemed disposed, if absolutely 

Pardon refused not, long to be implored 

At least, and urged with many a forceful plea, 

Before he would consent to thy forgiveness ; 

"Not hotly spoke in wrath, but with that spirit 

Settled, and of all consequence secure. 

Less to be moved than any passion can. 

Yet by entreaty strong she last prevailed 

That he consented, but to this extent, 

As to be reconciled, if thou would seek. 

More than this would he not, nor might she gain. 

How by entreaty urging and strong plea. 

Prom which inferred thy pardon granted quite. 

If thou but first would move, thy present mind, 

Since thus much he could not, and not yield all ; 

Which consolation gather, if thou canst 

Prom this relation, of thy son's intent. 

Whose fuller pardon must await return. 

Manoah. With hope thy words relieve. me for my 
fault 
Doubtful of pardon all, so sore provoked 
His anger, which my passion had aroused. 
Shamed by him, as I thought, before my foes. 
I knew me in the wrong, when passion cooled 
Had left a wonted calmness to the spirit. 
And to implore his pardon was I minded ; 
But age, though slow to wrath, unwilling yields. 
Though to the wrong part drawn, when once aroused; 
And hence my purpose, cherished long before, 



8o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Of humble penitence and pardon sought. 
Till now deferred — perhaps my lasting sorrow, 
The punishment deserved and well rewarded 
Folly to be so causelessly provoked. 

Choeus. Some difference with thee thy son touched 

on 
In his desired recital of his deeds 
To us, his friends and comrades thus desiring, 
But not enough, nor with relation clear. 
As fully to enlighten what the cause. 
Thus glanced at as much more yet lay behind. 
Which not to us he meant so to impart. 

Manoah. Then what from him ye gained not take of 

me, 
Though to my shame the cause to you set forth. 
At Timna, as we kept the marriage-feast, 
Samson put forth a riddle, whose solution 
Long sought, and mostly by his bridal comrades. 
But vainly by fair means, at last by foul 
Determined found ; and taking me unwares. 
They would have forced the secret, though unknown 
To me, as I averred, which they received not; 
But next with cruel force would have constrained me 
And violent hands, had not my son, late parted. 
Timely arrived, and forced them to forego 
So foul advantage — wishing, as supposed. 
Since thus far prospered all, not easily 
Broken upon the order of the feast, 
Dismissed the affair with small regard or none. 
But I could not endure so foul affront 
Put on me, by such means abominable 
Seeking to make me traitor to my son. 
With no return, and would have parted thence, 
Stirred up with bitter passion at the outcome, 
To Zorah, but my son with kind intent 
Strove to detain me, whereat I, incensed 
With folly, which is now my chief reproach, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 8i 

Broke roughly from him, and denounced him, there 

Before them, known his bridal friends and guests, 

Ingrate, unfilial, traitor, to his duty; 

That he, amazed, but still with favor shown. 

Suffered me thence to part, and sent a convoy. 

His nuptial tendance from our tribe intended. 

Which brought me on my way. Later, as learned. 

His bride perfidious gained by some foul sleight 

And gave his secret to those bridal spies, 

His friends assigned pretended; by which means 

Deceived and wounded, cheated out of all. 

Where most esteem and faith he most presumed, 

Towering in wrath, to iiscalon he parted. 

Whence he exacted all that marriage-forfeit. 

Leaving them blank of joy and blank of boast, 

Who traitorously so requited faith. 

But further have I learned not, nor in full 

What purpose or intent employs him now. 

Choeus. After her nuptial faith so disregarded, 
For thus of him we gained, to Timna gone. 
He found his bride refused given to another. 
His paranymph, and what to him far worsened 
The insult offered, by her father given; 
Who first with plea averred to her supposed 
His utter hate, nor hence his wife regarded, 
Next offered, as by way of justice thought, 
Or insult, further to extend reproach, 
A sister, fairer claimed; whereat incensed. 
As thought of small account by them esteemed. 
So having put on him whomever they wished not. 
Or found not to their purpose or desire. 
The harass of their country he began, 
'Not ceased, till for that marriage-ransom paid. 
They had atoned in full the heavy score ; 
That they in turn aroused, came up and sought 
Her death who wrought thus their reputed harm. 
These tidings, then, to him recited late, 



82 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Roused him once more to move about revenge; 
Whose outcome, good or ill, we here await. 

Manoah. It cannot be in aught save good, since now 
Repented of his sin, that sought a bride, 
Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
Among the idolatrous, unclean, unchaste. 
And from his known repentance thence forgiven, 
God will of favor bring him thus restored 
Where he some mighty service shall perform, 
Such as perhaps may gain deliverance promised, 
The divine task whereto he was ordained. 
What if, even while we speak, among his foes 
Arrived, he now be wreaking dreadful wrath 
And dealing death upon his enemies? 

Chorus. ISTot doubtful, since to God is nothing hard, 
Much less impossible, who of himself 
Unaided could have wrought our promised freedom. 
Yet rather chose to rear this mighty champion 
Ordained to our deliverance by his choice. 

Manoah. Whom since God so hath reared and high 
ordained. 
What better chance to do his mighty task 
Allotted than with dire revenge exacted 
Of his insulters, to accomplish thus 
Both his own private vengeance and God's will, 
With punishment upon their heads redounded. 
Who in their arrogance respected none 
Either God's law or man's due right, which gave 
The husband o'er his wedlock mate all power 
Of conjugal unfaith, thence rightly punished 
As foe to God and man — their added sin 
Who justly had provoked God's fiercest wrath 
With slavery of his chosen, to whom now 
Deliverance he appoints and bounds enlarged? 
Presumptuous thought, perhaps, yet not unhoped. 
His might we know is limitless, and well 
Accords his purpose to redeem his people 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 83 

From their oppressors by his champion's hand- 



On whom why else this wondrous might bestowed 

Nor shall his high intent be frustrate found. 

Chorus. His friendly mind we know, and know our 
state 
Untoward, until his purpose high fulfilled. 
B"u t tidings of the event somewhat by now 
Should come, so long he parted hence as easily 
Permits his full discomfiture or theirs, 
Which, whatever known, were better far endured 
Than in suspense and apprehensive doubt. 
This to remit I would some news arrived. 

Manoah. In which desire I also share, as fits. 
But who is this ? Por now I see approach 
One by his mien and act perhaps hath come 
\Yith tidings of what lately hath befallen. 

Choeus. Thine eyes deceive thee not; there does 
approach 
One by his mien and act expressly come 
With tidings of what lately hath befallen. 
Hope then, and soon, to hear expected tidings, 
Which, good or bad, the full relation clears. 
And now he nearer draws, and now at hand 
Delays his traveled steps ; with what for us ? 

Servant. Manoah, and ye tending on this place, 
Some messenger from Samson here is come 
With tidings of what late hath him befallen ; 
And with inquiry of you now attends, 
To render full recital, as befits. 

Messenger. Manoah, and ye friends that stand 
about. 
If such ye are, and not descriptions err. 
To you my message, if this place and ye 
AVhom thus by chance I find ; resolve my doubt. 

Manoah. Zorah the town, and we whom thou hast 
sought ; 
Say then from whom, and what to us thou hast, 



84 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

That thus thou hast inquired our place and name. 
Messengee. From Samson, and late tidings of his 

deed. 
Manoah. Fair are they then, or foul must we 

suppose ? 
Messenger. Fair to whom good imports; foul to 

whom ill. 
Manoah. Of which may we suppose to us thou hast ? 
Messenger, l^ot foul, to have received so joyful 

tidings. 
Manoah. Which we may not receive, till thou 

declare. 
Messenger. Take then at once the sum ; Samson yet 

lives. 
Manoah. Lives, but captived or free, and how? 

explain. 
Messenger. Both lives and now is free, as this 
assures. 
After his false bride and her father burned 
By no more time than swift dispatch sufficed 
Samson was made acquainted with the tidings, 
Which doubtless ye have heard, his bride destroyed. 
By what foul means no more, and who the cause; 
AVhich, as ye knew, incensed him to the height, 
His due he thought of husband disrespected. 
And he dishonored by so foul afiront 
Unwarranted, unworthy, unprovoked. 
Soon in that region, whence his bride he had, 
Now come, where then awaited all that force 
Collected to destroy who, thus unchaste. 
Had drawn his wrath and their accomplished harm. 
He saw, among them first, those bridal spies, 
Wliose baneful arts had wrought his chiefest wrong 
With practise foul, and yet to cost them dear; 
Whom then, unmoved beholding, thus he spake : 
Why have ye thus, Philistines, far presumed. 
Beyond your power and right, to disregard 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 85 

My due as husband when ye punished thus 
One under my protection as my wife, 
'Not owning your authority, but mine? 
And what intends your purpose, recompenee 
Awarded, as by due, or forcibly 
Exacted, as my just pretence demands? 
Whereto with ready words his foes replied: 
Samson, since thus thou hast inquired our right 
To do this deed, know that thy thought concern 
Hath here no part, since neither of thy tribe 
The woman was, nor still thy wife regarded ; 
Which, as thyself, deem that we also knew, 
l^or knew ourselves not free to exercise 
Eight on our own, though wheresoever found. 
Or to whom joined, as in this instance done : 
Which, if thou think to question, asks but trial 
Such as we here both offer and accept. 
What hinders then with final proof to try 
Thy right or ours the stronger, force with force. 
That we may know whose right be found supreme? 
So spake they, heightened in their victory deemed, 
Surveying him with eyes that only saw 
Success assured, whenever their onset chanced; 
As when a mountain oak, or forest pine. 
Or cedar, from the haunts of men remote. 
Some woodsmen in a mountain valley see. 
And, with awakened wonder seen, survey, 
Pondering where best to fell, in what part hewn. 
Whereto, still unabashed, he thus returned: 
Though thus far ye have done, yet not enough 
To clear connival deemed from that foul blot 
Of wedlock disallied, by you abetted 
If not set on; wherefore I still on you 
Will be avenged, and after will I cease. 
So Samson spake, and from his eyes shot forth 
Confusion, as when lightning glares from heaven. 
That withered all their force and courage drained. 



86 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Instant, without delay, straight he advanced 

Upon his foes helpless to vengeance left, 

Until their first he gained, when, smiting forth 

With strenuous might, their foremost he assailed, 

Felling them with a fury unopposed, 

As, seizing on whatever part first met. 

Head, trunk, or limb, as chanced, naked or armed. 

He bruised, or crushed, or swung and dashed to death 

Whomever stood most near, or dared make head. 

Though but with vain attempt, against his force. 

Such onset fierce they might not long endure, 

But turning fled, or grovelled in the dust, 

Though warriors old and well to arms inured. 

Such fury on them broke and wrath aroused. 

Soon to full flight their host he turned, dismayed 

By reason of such mighty number slain, 

Their choice and flower of chivalry, not only 

Of Timna, but each neighbored region round, 

Met from all parts to this great task imposed. 

To wreak fierce vengeance on their mighty foe ; 

Yet only wrought their ruin and dismay 

From him, whose thus to compass they assembled. 

He, after victory won, his virtue worn 

Reposes, safe to Etham's rock retired; 

Where now he waits what further may be moved 

Toward him, if, after such attest of strength, 

They yet intend upon him, thus annoyed. 

Or meditates by what more force or guile 

Still to infest his enemies thus quelled 

With fierce compulsion. Well may they by this 

Rue bitterly the direful consequence 

Of their false acts and his attempted harm, 

Thus perished, all without exception fallen 

Who braved his brunt; they live, alone, who fled. 

Chorus. glorious vengeance on our foes inflicted, 
Samson, by trial proved 
Strongest of mortal men! 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ?>y 

Set on thereto by him whose counsel high 

And hidden purpose 

Endued thy mighty strength. 

Ordained to our deliverance 

When heathen and profane attempted thee 

Proof against all assault. 

Attempted to their ruin, 

Who only thought to quell thy force; 

Yet contrary wrought their shame; 

While thou, their feats and mighty force contemning, 

Against them gone. 

Sudden o'erthrew'st them as a flood. 

To them naught leaving but thy fame increased. 

And him high celebrating 

Who had ordained thy might and wondrous force. 

Now easier task awaits thee; seconded 
By all thy nation roused. 
Back on thy foes victorious to return 
And fully accomplish thy great work begun. 
The mission high ordained 
And task by Heaven imposed 
That shall redound thy universal praises. 

Manoah. Come, friends, there seems not much for 
sorrow here, 
And lamentation ; more cause to rejoice 
That God, of his great favor, hath vouchsafed 
Such recognition of his mighty champion, 
Who, by his prowest act, hath vindicated 
His office high bestowed ; as much deserving 
To be rewarded well of all his nation, 
Whom, under God, he justly hath delivered 
From their chief foes, upon whom now is found 
Naught but dishonor, fear, contempt, and shame ; 
To us deliverance he hath brought, and freedom, 
If, without wonted slackness, now be seized 
So glorious occasion on our foes 
Defenceless thus, of might to be opposed. 



88 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And all this, yet God with him, as we hoped, 
With favor and assistance in his task. 
Nothing wants now, but that his nation roused 
Back on their foes return, with sore discomfit 
Breaking their force who them so long enslaved, 
And fully accomplishing his task begun. 
Theirs now as well, since all therein concerned. 

Choeus. All is best, though oft endured 
Our grievous ills with questioned doubt. 
As undiscerned whereto they tend; 
Yet, after trial, to our good 
Intended found, and welfare best; 
As now for us, when long matured 
Heaven's high intent his purpose serves, 
With vindication full and fair event. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 89 

SAMSON HYBRISTES. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Samson, for his inciirsions into the land of the 
Philistines and his hostile deeds, is pre-emptorily de- 
manded of the men of Judah for vengeance to be in- 
flicted upon him. He consents to be bound, and is 
brought before the elders of Judah, who form the 
Chorus, at Hebron, there to be tried. Against their 
accusation of violating their law in taking to wife a 
woman of the Philistines, he urges his promptings from 
God, his marvelous birth, and dedicated life. While his 
trial is going on, the real cause whereof is yet not 
announced, he is visited by his mother, who at first 
upbraids him for his marriage contrary to the wishes of 
his parents, but at last urges him to fulfill the will of 
God concerning him, at the same time relathig the story 
of his divine annunciation and mission, namely, to free 
his people. Samson, who had refused with absolute 
denial, at last relents to go with the herald sent to fetch 
him. After his departure, enters his father, Manoah, 
with anxious inquiry concerning his son and wife. His 
sorrow at the tidings is interrupted by the arrival of a 
messenger who, at first hesitatingly, afterward with more 
spirit, relates what hath befallen the Philistines from 
Samson : wherewith the drama ends. 



THE PERSONS. 

SAMSON'. 

Manoah, father of Samson. 
The Philistine MessengebL 
Ebrew Messenger. 



90 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Chorus of Judean Elders. 

His Mother. 

Herald. 

The Scene, lefore the gates, in Eelron. 

Philistine Messenger. Prom utmost bound of 
Judah^s land I come 
To Hebron old, the seat of Anakim. 
Whither occasion draws these hastened steps 
Unto the governors and heads of tribes 

O'er Judah set, one Samson to demand 

A mighty champion, bold above compare, 

Por that, though our due thrall, he dared presume 

On acts rebellious, and did hostile deeds, 

Whose loud report at length hath roused our lords, 

That, entering Judah now with gathered powers, 

On him or all his tribe their purpose holds 

To wreak their wrath to utmost point exact 

Of penalty. And therefore justice mete 

Render he must, freeing the forfeiture 

Of wont allotted unto those rebellious. 

Or all his kind shall render in his room. 

But wherefore stirs no human shape abroad 

Prom yonder town or city nigh, since now 

The point of day? I will along and seek 

Who may inform these unfamiliar feet 

Unto the prime of Judah and her chief 

In rule, that I may take their purposed will. 

Chorus. A little onward lies the toilsome path 
Por these faint steps of age, 
A little further on, 

To yonder wayside place, our wonted seat. 
There daily we resort 

And sit, dispensing justice 

Rather say, bewailing 

The servitude of Israel and his sons, 

Abject, unworthy, despicable, vile, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 91 

Whene'er, as now, the insulting light removes 
Night's charitable mantle from our woes, 
Showing them naked 
To the shame of day. 

thou, that, with surpassing splendor adorned, 
Eisest rejoicing, as the strong man in his might. 
To run thy golden race. 
To thee we call, sun! 
Whose flaming progress on thine eastern road 
With gladness all the earth 
Beholds, rejoicing in thy joy. 
O'er many an awful mount 
Unused to servile yoke. 
And over all the inviolable main, 
All sea-girt isles, that stud. 
Like starry archipelagoes 
Of night, old ocean's nether firmament, 
TJnweariedly thy golden eye shall run 
Till eve's dim eyelid seal thy sight again. 

Semi-choeus. Yet us no rapture fills 
For thy glad sight, no heart's bright incense, joy, 
Grateful shall rise, no praise. 
Thereof instead shall wailing and lament 
Vex all the burdened air. 
Aidless, unhappy, dark; 
For thou, whene'er thou risest, 
Usherest in no joy 
To us, no hope, no gladness. 
But, in saddest stead. 

Despair and pain, anguish and sorrow, and woe. 
When day leads back our night. 

Semi-chorus. Thy cheerful advent blythe, 
Which most men hail as long release to joy 
And glad purlieus of light. 
To us (0 miserable!) 
Is but the coming of the taskmaster 
Unto the fearful and o'erlabored slave, 



92 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Waking the stinging thought 

To goad along the barren toil 

Of memory, and recall 

The glory of the past, the present shame. 

Chokus. Yet now perhaps fresh grief draws hard 
behind. 
For I this way discern 
Some stranger tending, so I deem; 
His hand a herald^s scepter bears; 
Bent all on haste, he nearer draws, 
And now, at hand, his travelled steps he stays, 
But, by his frown, with no good fraught for ns. 

Philistine Messengek. Ebrews, the elders of your 
tribe I seek. 
Whom ye reports account. Say if I err. 

Chorus. Thou aimest dextrously; discharge thy 
purpose. 

Philistine Messenger. Elders, to you I am thus 
bidden say: 
Are ye our slaves, our vassals, held our thralls 
By right of war to do whate'er we bid? 
See on our sending ye deliver bound 
Samson into our hand, forfeit and due. 
Since, though our bondman, he hath dared presume 
On acts rebellious, and done hostile deeds. 
In that with fire our fields he hath laid waste, 
Harassed our land, harried and slain our men, 
And chief those thirty there at Ascalon. 
So gross a stain, touching so near our name. 
Must in no wise be glossed with smooth excuse ; 
Hence, as our due, to take him are we come. 
And those ill deeds to recompence in kind. 
Thus much of him. The one command imposed 
If duly ye perform, our purpose hither 
To other does no violence or spoil. 
But so deceitful hope, or stubborn pride 
Obdurate, shall the execution slack 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 93 

Or respite, is the hazard thereby earned 
No less than threatens Samson, be assured. 
By chance he come into our power and hand. 

Chorus. Such insolence like answers best befit. 

Philistine Messengek. Such the commands your 
lawful lords have set. 

Choeus. Have they not proved, and to their hurt, his 
power 
Surpassing human rate, above the strength 
Of numbers to oppose, or banded might, 
So that our most avails not to perform 
The task imposed? And therein if we fail, 
What but our own destruction can portend ? 
Return thy way; thou seest we cannot do it. 

Philistine Messengek. But this reply, be sure, will 
•not suffice them. 

Chorus. Perforce it will, if so a better lack. 

Philistine Messenger. Nothing is here for words, 
be sure ; for is not 
Your nation held subjected to our lords 
Their vassals, and by right of war their thralls? 
And shall ye at our sending and demand 
Refuse our sending? Not, if well ye know, 
Your pretence as by place of office deemed. 
That duty which by right to you pertains. 
To guard the public safety and your own; 
'^^Tiich, if thus rashly your refusal hold 
Against our just pretence assumed, alike 
Upon the utmost edge of hazard stand. 

Chorus. True is, our nation is subjected held 
To your dread lords, deservedly, since we 
By force of arms defeated and enthralled, 
Who thence to you all due subjection owe 
As masters, and to your commands imposed. 
But that we here may satisfy your will 
Lawful enjoined, and, won by force or guile, 
Against the people yield into your hand 



94 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Their champion, and the common idol held, 

Thou mayest not think, since not in us disposed 

Either superior force to overcome 

Or civil power to compel his will. 

Since of another tribe, nor hence to us 

Owing obedience or judicial fear. 

Yet who subserves the public good, no mean 

Service, thereby not only honor bears. 

But hazard, due alike, and due the more 

As the degree in office higher stands. 

And wherefore should we here our loss involve 

With his, who hath denied and held our law 

In absolute contempt, as if in scorn 

Yoking base wedlock with the uncircumcised ? 

And what should we the more esteem and weigh, 

His welfare, or the general, which by right 

Our first and our sincerest care demands? 

For where the public to mischance exposed 

Lies through default of one, his doom should free 

Their danger, nor should all with him involve. 

As he shall find perhaps who thus offends. 

Bid therefore send with all dispatch, and him 

Summon, to try if he perhaps be found 

Submissive to our need, if thus with him 

Persuasion may prevail to free his people 

From hazard, which his acts on them induced, 

Or else, though doubtful, if our force suffice 

To win him, or win from him what he can 

In power, since thus alike to us imports 

Destruction, from your force, or from his hand. 

These tidings therefore bear to your dread lords, 

That somewhat may avail perhaps to ease 

Our punishment, or null, herein if we 

Not slack be found, but forward to obey 

Their bidding, whom by right of war we serve. 

Philistine Messenger. I knew your reasons better 
would instruct, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 95 

And force compel perforce what erst denied, 

With fear of worse conjoined, since all must yield 

To strict necessity, that governs all. 

But, how the event may turn, of this be sure, 

That favorable compliance more will gain 

Indulgence, and more favor will effect. 

That slackness or than flat refusal more 

Will hazard, if against your will perforce 

Unable to perform what now enjoined. 

This therefore ponder well, and be your speed 

So as ye hope your safety, that your toil 

May teach your minds obedience ; nor, thus fond, 

Vainly refuse again what with all ease 

Exacted, if our purpose that way tend ; 

Nor further warning think to you vouchsafed. 

Choeus. High are the ways of God, 
And high to human sense expressed. 
Above the reach of erring man to know, 
Allotting doubtful oft, as in despite, 
Or contradicting to his deity 
And edicts right ordained; 
For on the race of men his counsel holds 
To good, as oft appears, or else, with hand 
And favor changed, causeless his heavier judgments 

light, 
With no regard, as seems, of service past 
From man to him, or him to man of promise. 

Nor only upon them who disregard 
His edicts, and his deity despise. 
The idolatrous rout, that hold his name in scorn, 
Fond, dissolute, profane. 
Visits his sovereign will inscrutable 
And fiery wrath reserved ; 
But such as he of favor hath elected. 
By grace his chosen, 
And peculiar people held. 
Them he alike subjects to hard event. 



96 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Thougli dignified by choice, 

Nor aught of difference weighs for their default. 

As might his grace beseem, 

But rather more exacts, and worse allots 

Of pnnisliment, the more his favor given 

And grace divine vouchsafed, 

Or at the utmost brings, as in despite 

Of what himself decreed. 

Just and unjust alike to evil end. 

Which oft confusion works, and brings to fear 
The pondering heart, that ventures not beyond 
The present state of good or ill bestowed. 
But pelds, assailed by doubt, unmindful thus 
Of former mercies past, and faints, depressed 
With fear of Heaven's defection. 

Thus fond is mortal man 
Fallen upon ire divine. 
As on himself his ruin to invoke. 
So smitten with folly dire. 
Insensate strook, or to sense left depraved, 
And with vision internal blind, 
When God upon his head, 
Surprised, distract, amazed, 
Eeft of defence. 

Executes his high errand of destruction. 
But who repents, and after pardon seeks. 
His eye is gracious to admit; 
His ear is ever open to the suppliant. 

So let not thus his wrath consume his people. 
Though drawn to paths of ill. 
And strook with ire divine ; 
Rather regard their toils calamitous. 
The merited punishment of sins. 
And turn to pitying ruth. 

But soft; for now, beyond our hope, 
Samson behold ! 
As yet, is every way unfit 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 97 

Our purposed intent to inform him. 
Samson. I came not, elders, though ye might 

suppose, 
As overpowered by fear, nor, though it seem, 
Superior force constraining; but I own 
Your reverend sway, and yield thereto respect. 
As meet. So now your purpose with me say. 

Chokus. Whence camest thou hither? from what 
feats performed? 
For in thy efforts to provoke our foes, 
The Caphtorim, thou never wast remiss. 
As many a slain thou sleVst them witness bears thee; 
And often have I heard thy mighty acts. 
But never true relation and distinct. 

Samson. After the slaughter of the uncircumcised, 
I to the rock of Etham safe retired; 
Not that I feared what harm the event should draw, 
But meditated by what force or guile 
More to infest our enemies. Meantime 
Your men of arms and officers dispatched 
Drew nigh, relating brief your ordered will 
Imposed, to have me bound before your presence. 
And though with wonder seized what sudden cause 
Hath moved so violent haste, behold me come, 
ISTot fearing what untoward event might gain 
From strict refusal to your offered will. 
But that I would no wrong or injury 
Done in despite, or from the wanton heat 
Of youth, presumed against your reverend oflBce, 
Where honor only and regard pertain. 
In this persuasion then, and chief assured 
Yourselves will not exact a penal forfeit. 
The willinger I came, though yet unknown 
What cause or what intent hath thus occasioned ; 
Which yet informs me not my purpose here. 

Choeus. Was there no other to offend our foes, 
No further act, that by occasion hence 



98 iTAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Might wrench the temper of the uneircumcised ?. 

Samson. Such hesitation shown to manifest 
Your purpose with me well might question raise 
Whether ye hide some worse intent or not, 
Importing more than on the face appears. 
But whether thus it be or no, let pass; 
For ye are gone in age, that old respect 
Is due, allotted unto years of wont. 
Ye knew that I had chosen to wife — ^by then 

Arrived the prime of marriageable love 

The daughter of the Timnian infidel; 

Yet me she pleased, my parents not; — ^but now 

In time of harvest parted hence and passed 

To Timna, found my faithless bride refused. 

Spouse to another. Hence that I might be 

Blameless with those Philistines, though to them 

Done a displeasure, thrice a hundred foxes 

I caught, with sportive aid on mischief bent, 

Yoking them two and two with fast-fixed brand. 

In circle ranged, touched with the nimble flame. 

Then ye might see the dry flame-amorous corn 

Seized by the ruffian fire and, violate 

Both shock and standing corn, — nor less the vines 

Amid the olives grown — adulteress play, 

Cheating the uneircumcised who eared the field; 

That Timna, disappointed of her wine, 

Would fare the ISTazarite that season, needs, 

The uneircumcised be, as the circumcised. 

Despoiled. Yet so a dire revenge they found, 

Unwarranted, unworthy, unproportioned. 

And out of all regard to the ofience. 

For when they knew their careful tillage wasted 

Wantonly, as might seem, and unprovoked, 

Either to clear their guilt from deemed connival 

In nuptial bands thus loosely disallied, 

Or else to strike dismay into their foe, 

Who by his prowest acts had wrought their harm. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 99 

Father and daughter both they burned with fire. 

Choeus. But doubtless in requital for such deed 
Thou hast found some fearful way to thy revenge. 

Samson". I paid my underminers in their coin, 
Be sure, as this relation witness bears. 
When next I came, and knew the shameful deed 
Done in despite and out of wished revenge 
On her, my love so late and dear delight, 
For my requital, sudden anger seized 
Me as a tempest, that in frenzied wrath. 
Uncased in brass, naked my limbs of steel, 
Eight on I drove, smiting them hip and thigh. 
Who did the deed, with slaughter — as what else 
Than be revenged on such vindictive hate ? 
But now, upon relation heard of deeds 
Done singly on the foreskinned race by me. 
Set forth your plain intent that brings me hither. 

Choeus. Why hast thou, Samson, broke the bounds 
prescribed 
By laws of God, in that presumptuous choice 
Of thine, that chose among the foreskinned race. 
Slackening thy strictest vow of purity 
To yoke in wedlock with the uncircumcised ? 
Was never there a woman of the daughters 
From out thy own tribe found, or all our nation. 
That thou shouldst make thy wedlock mate among 
The uncircumcised Philistines, our dread foes? 
Whereby great scandal unto God thou, brought'st. 
And to his people diffidence and doubt. 
Though given enough before from the true God 
To waver and fall off, with idols Joined. 

Samson". Against the Caphtorim, our country's foes, 
I sought occasion to deliverance; 
Therefore I urged the marriage on, that I 
Might Israel from Philistian yoke redeem, 
The task to which I was divinely set. 
True is, some amorous remorse I felt 



100 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

For the perverse event; and this I yield, 
The act had outcome other than my thought. 

Choeus. Was this then all thy care, the pains of love 
Disprized, and naught for wrath of justice roused? 
So far presumptuous pride or lust had borne thee 
Against our canon straitly that forbade 

Conjunction joined with the uncircumcised 

Which how hast thou obeyed? Of alien stock 

Was sprung the woman thou hast known thy wife 

Would that thou never hadst, too late, alas ! — 

Even she of Timna, whom thy roving choice. 

Impetuous, unbridled, uncontrolled, 

Settled upon. Prime cause indeed hast thou, 

Or hadst, to love who in her nuptial height 

Of love professed — proof of no love in her ! — 

Thy riddle given betrayed! Thy facile heart. 

Ease-amorous, unweeting, stood no siege, 

Or but so much still more as draws assault. 

And, like a fearful fortress, not one stroke 

Strenuous opposed, yielded the garrison, 

The secret of the riddle thou hadst set ; 

That she conveyed, with hasty impudence, 

To the fair-spoken paran3rtnph usurping 

Thy bed — fit guerdon to thy folly! Yet 

Even thus, even when the facile key displayed 

Evidenced the betrayal, and her smile. 

That joined with other half but hid to flout 

Thy shame, on her blazed not thy slavish anger, 

But thou, by mastering terror quite o'ercome. 

To such effect replied as showed thy mind 

Craven, unapt, unfit for highest things. 

And after, thou stealth-gone to Ascalon, 

Thy jeer-stung heart, to gain the forfeit gaged, 

Mustered its might on thirty men unarmed. 

Who ne'er to thee had offered harm. Yet thou, 

Against our pact of peace expressly, sleVst them, 

Then, like a robber, stripped'st and spoiled'st their robes. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS loi 

In such rash toils and ill-considered snares 

Hath love, or rather lust, entangled thee, 

'Not love, as from thy words infers. For how 

Could love, that only seeks her object's good, 

Impel thee to thy dearest enemy, 

Who only sought thy secret to thy hurt? 

Samson. Sharply have ye insisted on my sin, 
Elders, though falsely ye assert, it seems. 
I^ot wantonness it was, nor fond desire 
Drew me with purpose unabashed, wherein 
Our law forbade approving to transgress. 
Other design it was, far other cause; 
I have done what I have done, set on by God; 
This valid plea the deeds themselves applaud; 
A^Hierein if I be shown to have done amiss, 
Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
Have all your will; ye see it in your hand. 

Choeus. What folly passed thy lip, Samson perverse ? 
Thy plea the deeds themselves condemn unjust, 
Invalid, false, to partial error swerving. 
This their event approves, and plain enough, 
Which when thou seest, I wonder thou hast found 
Presumption thus to hide thy sin; for sin 
It still appears, though even of thy hand done. 

Samson. With ignorance hast thou spoken. The due 
act 
Draws not approval from the event, as good 
Or bad; the prompting motive this affirms. 
Else might the act of ill intent, o'er-ruled. 
Arbitrament divine, and of result 
Thence fair, assert itself above the good 
That finds perverse event from chance not seen. 
But that plea to extenuate my deeds 
The deeds themselves partial condemn, unjust! 
I was to do my part from Heaven proposed, 
ISTot question consequence; here if I erred. 
The error was not mine, but his who sent me. 



102 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Chorus. argument presumptuous, fond, and 
proud ! 
Error is not accountable to God, 
As thou didst blaspheme, so to cloak thy sin. 
Though oft, with specious plea of God's will done. 
Do men, erring from right, approve their path. 
Which way thy sin hath led thee ; first, thy love 
Settled on choice forbid; then, insolence 
Hath borne thee to insult who bear the rule ; 
Last with a blasphemed God thou told'st thy tale. 
Know, in a word, all this of woman sprung. 
For diverse as her various outward show 
Affects her influence o'er her wedlock choice; 
And oft, by fair idolatresses snared. 
As thine, are men's uxorious hearts beguiled 
From truth and purity and good and God ; 
In part they draw the ruin of their lives, 
Haply they make not shipwrack of the whole. 

Samson. If then to you thus reprehensible 
My deeds appear, thus gone from right and good. 
Though in the chief intent on my part done. 
Forbear to mix yourselves with my concerns 
Henceforth, as I shall hence from yours forbear. 

Chorus. Wise, who of old affirmed 
Him Heaven-favored that hath found 
A virtuous wife, who joins. 
Her honor chief, domestic praise. 

Hence in thy proper kind 
And order chose thy mate; 
Beyond thy walk in life thy step restrain; 

Uplift no amorous eye 

Eather, lower not 

To her, whose outward shape though fair. 

Informed with beauty and adorned 

With comeliness, 

Nathless the inward show. 

Ugly with spotted sin, taints like the snake; 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 103 

Never will she list to good, 

However so musical a charmer breathe. 

For, howsoever found, with her thus fond. 
Empty of real goodness, real worth. 
Adverse to virtue. 
Stubborn, shameless, loud 
And turbulent, thus given 
Little or none to household good, 
Wherein consist 

"Woman's chief honor and domestic praise, 
But knowing well 

"With trolling tongue and wanton roving eye, 
Joined with asking look and act. 
To tempt the weak unwary 
To dalliance or to worse dishonoring. 

Of whom shame is ashamed 

With such a pilot at the helm embarked, 
What voyage but would needs in ruin end ? 

But whom desire and reason like approve. 
Veiled with virginity, demure and meek. 
To God and good submiss, 
Yet chastely wroth, if amorous play 
Attempt, or overt act. 
With license to offend her maiden awe. 
Her wed, and to her cleave 
Through all the hazards incident to life. 
Unwavering, unswerving, unseduced. 

But who is this? What form draws hither fast, 
As when a timorous doe. 

Whose curious fawn had slipped her slumbering side 
To stray the perilous wild. 
O'er wooded hill and moory dale 
Begins her roam, seeking her wandered young? 
And now, at nearer view, may seem 
Some Ebrew matron, and perhaps thy mother; 
Her face distressed and dark, she steers to us. 

Samsoit. Ay, with what other eyes must she behold 



104 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Me now, unseemly sight, in bonds abused ! 

MoTHEE. From Zorah and the vale of Eshtaol 

Desire to see thy face and learn thy state 

Maternal love o'er woman's anxious fears 
Prevailing, since fame also found me out 

With tidings of what lately had befallen thee 

Hath led me, Samson, by a various path, 
For still report, erring, my steps beguiled. 
Whither I find thee now. But why these bonds? 

Samson". Ask otherwhere, or question else inquire, 
If thou wouldst answer gain; of these perhaps 
Thou may^st, on their occasion since I came. 

Choeus. Pretends till now that plea of ignorance 
feigned. 
Counterfeit innocence, hypocrisy? 
But feign no more; for thou, be sure, shalt learn 
Thy fault adjudged thee plain. Know sin, and sin 
By thee confessed, thy doom severe hath dravni. 
For now those robes are like to cost thee dearer 
Than estimation on the purchase set. 
As this, the rigid score, approves. Dispatch 
Hastened a message late to have thee bound 
And given to the hand of our dread lords 
To do as likes their utmost will. The worst 
At once were best known ever; hence without 
Swerving equivocation have I spoke. 

MoTHEE. Alas, both for the day and for the deed, 
Son, that bereaves me thee! Ah wherefore, thus 
Violating the law, didst thou espouse 
The daughter of an infidel, against 
Both then thy father's wish and mine express? 
Whereby such loss of life to thee was vsrrought, 
To us of thee ! But let me pardon gain, 
Idly upbraiding thus, the woman's way. 
Half of her sorrows woman would avert, 
Could she withhold the word she knew unwise, 
No, resolved not to utter. But distress 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 105 

Enforced me losing thee, distress the more 

As thou art sole my child. Silence henceforth 

Must be my portion, woman^s wonted lot. 

Samson. Was this that solemn pledge and V0"w; 
engaged. 
With glozing words and baited lies to draw me 
Into assassination's wily snare, 
So to requite, with treacherous guile, the faith 
In you adjudged by acquiescence shown 
To your commands, though void and reasonless ? 
Henceforth let none, kindled with kindly zeal, 
Through hard assays toil for the general good, 
Hoping therefrom even gratitude, the spur 
That raises generous minds to noblest acts; 
For him his envious fellows will suspect. 
Despise, mistrust, cavil, reproach, contemn; 
And, if he aught remarkably begin. 
They to their power will thwart, or straight desert, 
And contumely heap on kindliest deeds. 

Chorus. That we are false, thou sayest, urgest on us 
That specious plea, ingratitude, betrayal. 
Yet, if thou seek, well shalt thou find, that first 
Thou ledd'st the way, thou did'st example give; 
Ere we to thee, thou to thyself wast false. 
And God. For hadst thou not, with slackened vow, 
Yoked alien wedlock, which our statutes ban. 
And treasonable league with our oppressors, 
Permitting, with unbridled insolence. 
Unreined desires and passions governless, 
Catching the rule, reduce to servitude 
Reason, therefrom in thee obscured, were now 
'No strict compulsion fallen on thee or us, 
For which or we or thou must satisfy. 

Samson". Yet better to be vile esteemed than vile. 
For wherein have I sin? Can open slaughter 
Of those oppressors be as treason construed, 
Or treasonable league? Still I affirm, 



io6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

The marriage that 3^e censure, as before 
Affirmed, was prompted by constraint divine. 
The end thereof, though sorrow, as I own, 
Proves not my sin, nor disapproves my plea. 
Then wherefore have I blame, or why are deemed 
Contrary to our laws and laws of God 
My deeds, which ye contemn, but I approve 
The gifts of God, and mean to learn, before 
1 yield my plea, what I am charged to have done. 

Chorus. Thou knowest the uncircumcised our lords, 
That bonds of civil duty thee constrained 
To keep the pact of peace and amity 
That mutual subsists. Our plight undone 
Thou seest, and seest how in evil case 
Our state is come, not through our motioning on, 
But thine; thy deeds our peril have induced. 
Thy doom should free, or else a common foe 
Lie under judgment, slain unstained of crime 
By whatsoever hand. But plead'st thou still 
Divine impulsion prompting thee to acts 
"Whose ends were given of God? Know then, as thou 
Wouldst know, were thine true plea, the gifts of God 
Are good and perfect, not, as graces feigned, 
Desirable, but, given with solemn hand. 
Hiding a sting. Hadst thou of God been prompted, 
Thy odious pretence, but now soon discerned. 
Be sure thy acts other results had brought. 
Answering. The good alone can give good gifts ; 
Since, be the giver so, the gift is good 
Perforce ; and opposite the ill derives ; 
For evil springs whence but from evil source? 

Samson. The uncircumcised our lords I knew, thou 
sayest. 
And knew that civil duty me constrained 
To hold obedience owed to those who have 
Our nation in their civil power. The force 
It was of subjugation. Force o'er force 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 107 

Prevails but where the conqueror can. If ye, 

Deservedl}^ enthralled your outward freedom, 

The inward lost, liberty would regain, 

Ye ought not so deliverance refuse. 

But second rather those my high attempts 

To break the yoke under which now ye chafe. 

Which to throw off, your minds ye must erect 

With nobler counsels, raise to higher thoughts. 

Knowing that none, of inward servitude 

Enthralled and yoked, can outward violence free. 

But, those great acts, which God by me hath wrought 

Upon your conquerors, acknowledged not 

Nor aught considered, if your servile minds 

Me, your deliverance, will not accept, 

Ye are not capable ye should possess 

Freedom, thus nicely or thus cautiously 

Rejected, but deservedly will serve. 

Choeus. folly and shame ! What government have 
we. 
What state, wherein those who are set to rule 
If one, a private, may o'erbear, impune, 

Rebellion raise, and levy single war 

Thou most, whose acts perverse have thus provoked 
Our peril, and whose deeds our doom have drawn? 
Us, put of God and in his stead, if thou 
Dishonor, whom hast thou dishonored, whom 
Despised, but God? Whose wrathful jealousy 
Thine unrepentant sin shall ne'er forgive. 
But visit soon with punishment condign. 
Thus if thou thinkest to deceive, or draw 
Aside from right with hollow argument. 
Or specious show of zeal for public good. 
The common theme of those who value least. 
Wide hast thou erred and wandered from the truth. 

Samson. Our government thou hast, when thou hast 
known 
That state wherein what serves his purpose best 



io8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Each works, not far to learn. But, to the main, 
Had what I motioned been averse to God, 
Though counter to our laws and his ordained. 
Why was it then permitted? Cause he had. 
To enmity, and had not wanted means 
To set his people free. Had this act then 
Unlawful thus been held, adjudged to stain 
My vow of ISTazarite, he had not so 
Have prompted me, permitted, to a deed 
Against our law declared, unchaste, unclean; 
Rather his swiftest vengeance had pronounced 
In certain tones his anger and my doom. 

Choeus. Thou sa/st that God permitted, motioned 
toward. 
Against that strictest vow of purity. 
Such deed, of freedom for his people wrought 
Plead'st divine purpose high ! Fair argument ! 
^Reason how sound approved! Could not his strength, 
Of right adjudged almighty, other means 
Have wrought, invented other arts to this, 
^N'ot contradicting to his edicts found. 
Thus to his deity ? This caption then 
Explodes thy plea, and reads thee false or fond. 
The trial of thy fortitude it was. 
To prove thy faith and firm obedience owed 
In recompence for the high gift of God, 
Not license to a gross forbidden sin. 
But grant thee so ; stands in no stead for thee 
That now he hastens not, his patient wrath 
Precipitates not thy augmented doom. 
Omittance is not quittance. Doubtless he 
Out of thine evil still can bring forth good; 
But should he so, it argues not thy sin 
Approved divinely, quits thee of unclean. 
If thus be held, all who contemn his law, 
Challenge his providence, rejected his good, 
Crimes which thou knowest highly impious. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 109 

Nor worthy to escape adjudged, but so 

In naught unchaste, vile, reprehensible. 

Of such malfeasants thou art in the list. 

Wherefore thou oughtest free thy forfeit pledged 

To us, and yield thyself to have our will; 

Knowing that, when the public lies exposed 

To danger, one for many should redeem. 

Which, wert thou innocent, would still prevail ; 

How much more, when thy fault stands plain adjudged ! 

For that thy blind unbridled lust impelled thee, 

And not zeal for thy God, by this appears, 

That in extenuation of thy act 

Thou urged^st plea of prompting from above 

To seek in marriage that perfidious bride, 

A Canaanite, thy country's enemy, 

Yet for the woman love thou first avowed'st. 

And further, since thou movest more that plea. 

Prompted of God to do his will, then learn 

He only is elect to do God's will 

Who does it; other choice or voice is none. 

Divine or human. Witness thy own instance. 

Samson. Are ye not they who, solemnly elect 
Of God, have impiously transgressed his law. 
Thus fallen to idols foul, and thence are sold 
To servitude as foul and bondage vile? 
Which I, your great deliverer, when sent 
To rescue Israel from Philistine yoke. 

Having in some part ransomed with high acts 

Yet now am judged a public enemy, 
Outcast from law, contemned an alien, deemed 
As worthy death ! Yet what chance now ye bear 
Palls, not from mine, but your incestuous acts. 
Adulteries, murders, blasphemies, and lies, 

With prayers to Adon, Baal, and Ashtaroth 

The gods adored of Israel's heathen foes. 

Whose might availed not yet to stay their fall 

And impious bowings down to stock and stone, 



no TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Despisings of God's law and sanctuary, 
The habitation of his holiness 
In Shiloh where he shines; therefore ye sunk, 
Bowed down beneath their despicable spear 
In battle, when ye strove. Still Israel serves, 
(0 shameful servitude!) with all his sons. 
Cease then so strict insistence on my sin 
Thus called, nor foist my fault over your own. 

Choeus. Then, when thou standest pure, our sin 
arraign ; 
It suits not now. For, while vain speech thou handiest 
Of boasted purity, feigned innocence. 
Peril impelled of thy own hand the state 
Threatens with harm, which thine is to remove, 
l^or is the law unjust that so ordains. 
If aught against the pact, as plain appears, 
TTnwarr anted of us thou hast done, self -moved, 
Then hast thou violated, in thy deed. 
The law of nations which, affronted thus, 
Thou oughtest yield thyself to satisfy. 
This, and not less than this, the least thou canst ; 
Whate'er and whence thy might, thou canst not more. 
ISTor still on us pretend thy sin, nor charge 
"Weakly, by this to shift thy proper blame. 
Thou to no purpose cloakest sin with sin ; 
Thy vain evasions but uncover more. 

Samson. I have done what I have done, motioned of 
God, 
Under whose eye mine innocence maintained, 
Wherein I say, as first, these hands are clean ; 
And hence ye nothing hold me, herein found 
Free and accountable to none but God. 

Choeus. Mortal, and made of mortal flesh, dost thou 
Dispute the points of purity with him 
In whose pure sight no mortal flesh is pure? 
And comest thou with such an one to judgment. 
And plead'st thou purity in whose pure sight 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS in 

His Holy heavens are contemned unclean? 

Then shall frail sinful flesh assert itself 

Above the solemn edicts which of old 

With God obtained ? Hence, while in time thou mayest, 

Hasten repentance toward that God incensed 

Justly, of surety knowing this thy sin 

Shall never, unrepentant, pardon find. 

For thee necessity nor God compelled 

Unto thy act, nor any man enforced, 

Since force upon free will can have no place, 

Else no free will. Hence, that which thou hast done, 

Freely thou didst it; force or fear none was. 

Free in thy power it lay, since free thy will. 

Obedience or revolt; but, that now passed. 

In other hands the sequel lies, beyond 

Thy choice. Hence, be assured that, to our pledge, 

Ourselves will not exact a penal forfeit; 

But for our peril, which thy acts induced. 

And for thy solemn pledge of faith engaged, 

We will deliver thee into their hand. 

Samson". miserable, fond, unfaithful, weak. 
So to renounce your faith to God engaged. 
Violating your country's dearest ends ! 
And wherefore, but to gain slight respite, deemed 
Than honor more, than freedom, duty, virtue? 
Fools, not to know that firm resistance made 
On tyrant foes obedience is to God, 
And slackened virtue rankest blasphemy! 
Yet not unusual, among men declined 
From God so far, thus to forego their vows, 
'Not unexpected is, where ignorance 
Of such prevails, if safety set before. 
Honor behind — and yet how few prefer 
Hard freedom over easy servitude ! 
Yet still this folly may convert to wisdom. 
Will Judah now but join, or one half tribe, 
We shall this day possess the gates of Gath, 



112 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And lord it over those we now obey. 

Then let not slip occasion, which now serves, 

But by your wisdom prove your worthy office. 

Chokus. Samson, thou hadst no name of wise, I 

knew, 
But never thought folly would lead so far 
Thy youth astray, with solemnest advice 
Such hazard on such warrant weak to urge. 
Thou knowest the people is unnerved to war, 
Sinews unbraced, and heart by servitude 
Softened effeminate, the wont effect. 
Such then the state, madness it were, self -death, 
So to propose, much more the motioned act, 
Though thyself even, with all-puissant arm. 
Stood' st present to discharge thy chiefest aid; 
As soon could we, or all, as thou alone. 
Boaster, who doubtless thence wert furthest found. 
Samson". Then were my acts of my faith best the 

warrant, 
Which of its surety present witness vouches. 
For, will ye but release me from my pledge 
Assured, myself with unassisted might, 
TVhich I withhold not, now occasion serves. 
Engage this arm to wrest in sole attempt. 
And ye at home, whole and unhazarded, 
Not life alone, but freedom general, 
So on your part ye dare the hazard set. 

Choeus. Think not thy strength entire, as when thou 

stood'st 
Impenetrably armed of innocence; 
Thy prowess then, when thou no more wast pure. 
Departed thee, and now thy might but none 
Thou knowest, disallied and drawn from good; 
Wicked therefrom and weak, thought clad thou stood'st 
And locked in mail proofer than adamant. 

Samson. This mighty strength, given at my birth, 

abides 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 113 

Diffused through joint and limb, while I preserve 
My vow inviolate, these locks unshorn. 

Choeus. For not in mighty bone or massy flesh, 
Though oft so deemed, vigor resides alone, 
Nor those robustious locks clustering thy head; 
But rather dwells with virtue, her ally 
Divine, and the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts. 
Full soon attempt this lesson would enforce, 
How weak, how vain thy might divorced of these; 
And we, too fondly on thy force relying. 
Destroyed in thy destruction should be found, 
Such an ambitious heat thy heart hath fired ! 
This knowing, wherefore further urge thy plea, 
Or scheme proposals worthiest of naught? 

Samson". Then take upon yourselves to satisfy 
The penalty imposed. I will not do it. 

Chorus. Then wilt thou leave us answering to ills 
Thy deeds on us induced, so to requite 
Favor vouchsafed, protection to thy tribe? 
Besides what act more impiously unclean, 
More than thy former, sum of blasphemy, 
So to betray and basely to desert 
Thy nation's utmost need, us, and thy God? 
Be not thus impious, but consider, Samson, 
This act the glorious ending of thy toil. 
Self -conquest, as than whom none mightier known. 
So much the more the conquest glorious deem. 

Samson". But led in chains captived, or tamed by cold 
And hunger, wherein could I serve my work 
From Heaven imposed, to set my people free ? 
For this did the angel twice appear, for this 
Declare my wondrous birth and wondrous life 
Of God ordained? And shall I frustrate thus 
His divine gift of strength, favor vouchsafed 
Thus recompencing ? Rather let me strive. 
While strength lives in these limbs, against my foes, 
That this unwonted might be not for naught. 



114 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Nor God's high gift be given to purpose vain. 

Chorus. Consider, Samson, matters now are come 
In evil case. What better conldst thou serve 
Thy mission, if thy mission thus thou hast. 
Whereof thy wondrous might avouches much. 
Than by thy mind and act to satisfy. 
Freely as thy offence, thy fault adjudged thee, 
Vf orking deliverance for thy nation, plea 
Now held, and making thence thy glorious name? 
Hence not of vain revenge, or vulgar spite. 
But for our peril, which thy acts induced. 
And for thy solemn pledge of faith engaged. 
We will deliver thee into their hand. 

Mother. Is this the end then of my prayers and 
vows. 
My fond maternal fears ? But yield thee, son. 
For thus may be what offered means who knows 
But God hath given before thee to set free 
His people, as the oracle afl&rmed? 

Chorus. What may it mean — the oracle thou sayest ? 
Tell us the tale; thou seest we thirst to hear. 

Mother. An angel told his wondrous birth divine 
From God; which, after days accomplished, came. 
This to be true his wondrous might avouches. 

Chorus. But set the tale at length with circumstance. 
Wherein conviction, if not truth, resides. 

Mother. Then hear me, though in much amazement 
stands 
My mind, that such as ye should know it not, 
A marvel so unwonted, so miraculous. 
Divine ; though other had I deemed the end 
Than thus, inglorious, infamous, contrary 
To those high hopes preferred. I prayed a son, 
Holding a barren wedlock a reproach; 
I bore a son, that all esteemed me happy. 
Who envies now my lot as fortunate? 
Was my request too fond, or self too much 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 115 

Inmixed, that God devised this punishment 

Upon my sin, doubting his wa5^s not just? 

Yet not as thus announced; for to me gone 

Into the field, there as by wont retired 

To solitude and prayer for children, then 

Childless and barren, as I sat reposed 

Apart, the messenger of God appeared, 

WTio first to me revealed, next to my husband, 

To whom a second vision was vouchsafed. 

The divine mystery high, that from our loins 

Should spring him who should set his people free; 

Then, to assure the message high imparted. 

Ascended all in flames from off the altar. 

Whereon an offering burned, after foretelling 

Conception sure of him who was ordained 

To free his country from her enemies. 

And so, when due time was and all fulfilled, 

I bore a son, whose name bestowed foretold 

His mission, that he should with might set free 

His people — since the angel so affirmed 

At least, though now event puts much in doubt. 

Chorus. A wondrous tale indeed, from which thy 
faith 
On hopes well-founded seemed, nor less to us 
Agreeably conceived; yet now perverse 
Through his default, and void of reason found. 

Mother. It had been my delight to view his home 
With children filled, whose little laughter sweet, 
Choicer to mother's ear than soothest pipe 
Of stop, should charm the parent heart and mine; 
My husband also, crowned with age serene. 
Had summed complete our circled household hearth. 
Ay me! 

Never must thou call any woman wife. 
Son, nor must I, with second mother love, 
Dandle thy lusty babes upon my knees, 
!N"or clap their cheeks, nor pore on every part. 



ii6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Eyes, ears, and nose, and month, and hands, and feet, 
If mother's touch, or father's, more survive. 

But separate in age, alone, unloved 

Such then must be my lot, it seems, deserted 

And solitary ; since, of thee bereft. 

Whom have I ? Kindred, kindly friends, and home 

No more to me remain, if thou no more. 

Alas, how other seemed it late, when I 

Stood cheered by all that hope or comfort showed ! 

But now one sorrow by another sits. 

And all the doleful sisterhood of grief 

Surrounds me from the light of hope cut off. 

Ah, with what other thoughts must I go hence 

Than those in which I came ! Thus with each mom 

Light shall return, but ne'er to me return 

Peace, or glad thoughts, or thy fond eyes to mine. 

Choeus. Give not to utter sorrow, but consider 
Kindred thou hast yet, kindly friends remain. 
And where thy husband is think there thy home. 

MoTHEK. Then shall I so esteem thy loss as naught, 
Or valued slight, and absence soon restored. 
By other charities of life supplied. 
Relations dear of husband, friend, or home? 
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh thou art. 
Life of my life, by sad experience dear 
As well I know. For not with wonted pangs 
And throes of travail felt I thee to light. 
Fruit of my body, bore ; but griping pains 
And tortures more than death were mid-wife to me. 
Yet words avail me nothing now, nor tears. 
Ay me ! my members fail, and eyes, that now. 
By swift oppression seized, I can no more. 

Choeus. Let some convey her hence, and tend her 
care. 
As fits the need, with nursing diligence 
Bestowed, that nothing seemly lack, becoming 
Of wont a matron's honorable state. 



i 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ii^ 

Samson". Alas, those lofty hopes divine, 
To have set free 

Israel wrested from Philistine yoke ! 
Was it for this that word descended. 
Twice by an angel told, 

Who rode in flames up from the burning altar, 
After conception assured, 
With nurture holy ordained, and solemn care 
Enjoined, as of a plant 
Select and dedicated? 

Why was my heart from earliest years inflamed 
To high heroic deeds. 
Magnanimous fortitude. 
If now, alas, forsaken, betrayed. 
And by a faithless nation, 
As by an alien foe, 
All aidless given, I must pay on 
My hapless penalty imposed? 
Unseemly recompence to most men deemed. 
But doubly to the champion endued 
With the high gift of God. 

Who now will credence yield 
Unto our holy oracles, that told 
Miraculous birth, to me vouchsafed. 
And wondrous strength sufficient 
To set my people free. 
That solemn task divine 
Gloriously entrusted from above? 
Alas, whom God^s higii choice hath once elected 
Chiefest in his regard, not vilely so 
He should desert, as never known. 
And sell to servitude. 
Be it but for promise made. 
For whom God's favor hath chosen 
To some great work and glory. 
When but in part achieved 
So if he whelm and thrall, subjecting him 



ii8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

To foul indignities, how stands therein 
Judgment approved, or vindicated 
Above the unjust the just? 
Since both alike come to like evil end. 

Choeus. "Wondrous the works of God, 
His many marvellous ways 
Beyond the searching out of man. 
Yet some there be who deem no God at all, 
Insensate, to their own blind thought inclining. 
Others upbraid his providence adjudged 
Partial, or to the erring 
Indulgent, doom perverse misdeemed; 
Then cast the rein to roving doubt, 
Unmindful of his former mercies past, 
Which fills with anxious fears 
The credulous vain heart of man. 

Yet for the trustful soul, 
Assured his gracious eye divine, 
God hath bid range far off all preying care's 
That spoil the sweet of being. 
And in his service pure 
Shine golden days fulfilled with golden deeds 
Acceptable, which is the calmest life. 

"Which chance had been thy chance and lot secure, 
Samson, in wondrous might 
The miracle of men, 

"With added favor joined of freedom wrought 
And heavy yoke bereft 
From off thy people, 
ISTow in vilest bondage found. 
Had not thy pride and weak ambition ruled, 
"When thou with impious foot didst pass 
The sacred bounds ordained 
Which God of old had set to right, 
Forgetful of thy task in part achieved. 
The close of all thy labors and the crown. 

Yet other lot on thee at length is fallen, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 119 

By vanity or erring pride enticed 

Erom that high purpose given 

And trust on thee imposed, 

With ruin Joined, that nulls those mighty deeds, 

The pledge and surety of thy task bestowed, 

Though late in part accomplished. 

Yet now at last defeated. 

And through thy own default, 

Turning thy labors to disastrous end. 

Samson". Alas, how otherwise my life portends 
Than that it late possessed, when I in might 
All mortal men excelled, with thoughts divine, 
Magnanimous intents, to mighty deeds 
By hopes beyond heroic thus inflamed ! 
i^ow shamed, dishonored, captive, and betrayed 
By my own nation, (that which now becomes 
My worst affliction) wherein can I serve 
That work imposed, to set my people free ? 
So much I feel that mighty purpose fail 
Till now that urged me on, my hopes all down. 
My plea rejected, and myself contemned 
Alien, outcast, disglorified, disprized. 

Chokus. Yet thou hadst hope to gain the government 

And rule thy brethren, after freedom wrought 

Pond, and incapable of place or rule. 
Since lewdly to thy lust thou wert enthralled, 
j^ot seeing, in thy headlong arrogance. 
Others who fain would rule must first himself. 

Samson. What then prevailed my abstinence, not 
armed 
To all allurements proved however pleasing 
To appetence, though one it could resist? 
Things in our law unclean, and thence forbid, 
The surety of my vow inviolate 
And pledge of hallowed life, with like regard 
Of all deliciousness, all weak desires 
That soften and effeminate the soul. 



I20 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

How held seduction sweet, my taste could spurn. 
Yet, though my mighty strength knew no compeer, 
Though force unforced in me her fortress held 

Impregnable, myself I could not rule 

Which now I rue; for, womanly overcome, 

Enticed by erring vanity and pride, 

I, like a heedless pilot, have shipwracked 

That glorious task divine enjoined from Heaven. 

Call therefore no man strong who rules not self, 

Though strength, informed with every motion, stalk 

Pre-eminent — weak, worthless, and despised! 

Chorus. Thou might'st have made for "honor and for 
good, 
Been high esteemed thy land's deliverer, famed 
In the universal mouth. ISTow the worse part 
Chosen thou hast, through giddy headiness 
Erring, and, virtue lost, thou losest all. 

Samson". I see the ill on which, presumptuously 
Erring, I fell. Wlien most I felt secure. 
Lax in my strength, from the unsuspected sky 
The cloudless thunder bolts upon my head. 
Yet, none the less, anguish I feel and shame, 
Betrayed by my own nation and my friends. 
Who to their utmost should have seconded 
My high attempts, not striven to have undone them, 
Snaring my unsuspicion with my words; 
This not my least affliction and reproach. 

Chorus. We knew thy force, that thou determinest 
No power but strength of body — our main hold 
Lay therefore to assay thee what thou art. 
Wherein thy true might summed, by guile or skill 
To win thee or win from thee what thou hast 
Of strength, that we might know; as is the part 
Of wisdom, when force wavers, with discretion 
To conquer wherein force effected not. 
But thou of self didst come, beyond our hope, 
And we in might presumed no match of thine ; 



J 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 121 

Hence we had need what only aid remains 
To weakness, and must lack of force supply 
With cunning, or by what name better called. 

Samson". Dishonor rightlier called, impiety • 

Since disregarded quite those mighty acts 

By God through me vouchsafed — neglect and scorn. 

Rancor and pride and enmity and spite. 

Or whatsoever else of ill and vile, 

jSTot fitting virtuous hearts or generous minds 

Aiming at freedom from a hated yoke, 

But worthy most dispraise, contempt, and shame. 

Yet I to other thoughts had schooled my mind, 

Into your hand to yield myself, since ye 

Resolve me that yourselves will not exact 

A penal forfeit; so, I am content. 

That I to other purpose wrought the deed 

Avails me nothing; hence do I repent 

The error, which is now become my crime 

And 3^our occasion, basel}^, as it seems. 

Choeus. I see thou art not slack of virtue, false 
To what high worth within thee still remains. 
Though dim through thy default, but well resolved 
Of purpose, as the unyielding center firm, 
I^or wilt revoke thy word sincere engaged. 
Though dearly to thy cost, if well discharged 
That heavy score through thy own acts incurred. 
Yet other would I choose thy end, than so 
Disglorified, disprized, and lastly death 
Perhaps, or worse than death, inflicted on thee. 

Samson". Yet otherwise to me my lot portends. 
For, though by you my plea contemned, despised. 
Although those mighty acts by me performed 
Attested well that mission high imposed. 
Yet I persuade me God will not desert 
As traitorously his champion, but still 
Pavor vouchsafe and strength, as times before, 
To vindicate the glory of his name. 



122 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Whence now, if anght from presage be forewarned, 
Or there be premonition in the mind, 
This day shall be remarkable, or my last. 

Chorus. May God thy plea accept, his law dispense, 
For so he can, we not, and thy petition 
Prosper; though otherwise my thoughts portend, 
The anguish of my soul, and chief affliction. 
Yet, what may some avail to raise thy mind, 
Since wisest men have oft aspired no more 
Than to the common good, by that regard 
For which our country is esteemed so dear 
Thou diest; thus much of excellence and praise 
Attaches to thy deed. Free choice thou hadst 
To save thyself, hast chosen, the better part. 
Her safety, which, be sure, gains due regard, 

The gratitude and thanks of all thy nation 

No small mark, if at glory thou hast aimed. 
Let this appease thy mind, and thou the rather 
Accept what fate, lest heavier on thyself 
That deadlier curse, thy land's destruction, light. 

Samsoj^. I could be well content with that award 
Which fame appoints to wait on virtuous deeds; 
But marked with brand of treason, and the stain 
Of infamy upon my name pronounced, 
No prize esteemed, yet are by me alike 
Indifferent held. Glory and shame are one 
To men who for their country's welfare strive ; 
And like by me are held, and valued like, 
So best accomplished that great work imposed. 
For which my life bestowed, and willing offered. 
But other reasons urge, and other thoughts. 
For yonder she, of whom I drew to live, 
Now droops, anguished, and spent, and quite sunk down, 
With sad forebodings fraught and seized with fear, 
So strong the mother in her works. Wherefore 
Comfort and speak her fair ; omit no means 
That wait on woman's gentler ministries. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 123 

The man may draw his own strength from himself. 
And of his own live to himself, secure 
Through chance in life, and change ; the woman not. 
But in man lives her best and happiest life, 
At least his care requires and kindly aid. 

Chorus. Nourish thy hopes ; nor deem us so ungrate- 
ful. 
So lacking in the common decencies 
Of life, which reverence to distress enjoin. 
And most in woman solitary in grief, 
As not to guard her care to extreme shift. 

Samson. With cause thy words relieve me for her 
welfare 
-Fraught with foreboding fears. This makes amend. 
Somewhat, for your ingratitude that sends me 
Dishonored, shamed, disglorified, disprized, 
A prey to cruel foes. Thus much assured, 
More eased in mind and somewhat raised I part. 

Choeus. For now thy time arrives ; the man returns. 

Philistine Heeald. Elders, the Ebrew Samson 
here I seek. 

Choeus. His fetters may inform him where he 
stands. 

Philistine Heeald. Samson by this doubtless thou 
hast the cause 
Wherefore I come. Haste therefore, and prepare 
Thy journey. Hesitatest? Come without 
Delay, or thou shalt learn, and to thy cost, 
We can find means to quench thy insolence. 
Regard thyself, and school thee to consider 
Whether of self thou com'st, or, from thy place 
By violence moved, trailed through your common streets 
Like a wild beast, a gross indecency, 
And one which for thy honor best were spared. 

Samson. Thy thought and tongue at variance plain 
are set. 



124 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Philistine Heeald. Prat'st thou so boldly now? 

Soon hast thou cause 
Justly to rue the insolence thou showest. 

Samsoi^. Threaten not how thou wilt, but, as thou 

canst. 
Do now ; so fair a chance comes not in haste. 
Philistine Herald. Dost thou already chafe? I 

thought thee tamed. 
Yet ways enough under the yoke to tame 
Even thy gamesome spirit. Thou shalt groan, 
Loaden with chains, in Gaza^s prison-house 
Pent in a dolorous dungeon, thy wont comrades 
Gaunt slaves and asses, which thou shalt not see, 
Thine eyes bored out — no woman then shall set 
Those orbs agape — disgraceful there to grind. 
And, still to anger more, oft shalt thou play 
At our high festivals to make our mirth. 
Abused, maltreated, to the multitude 
A gross unpitied object gazed and scorned. 
If thou art backward to obey, the worst 
That torment can devise, scourgings and whips. 
Packs, branding fire, and cold, the extreme pains ; 
Last, like a labored beast thy chance-fallen carcass 
Stenching the common air, to die a death 
Ignoble, unknown, unenvied, unavenged. 

Samson. No terrors have thy threats to shake my 

soul 
Armed to endure, with firmest constancy, 
The utmost ills on me thine can inflict. 
Before have I considered, and the score 
To the utmost will discharge, if God's high will 
Demand, that heavy satisfaction, death. ' 4 

But I persuade me God will not desert " 

Thus traitorously his champion, since his task 
Still unperformed, but strength will yet vouchsafe 
To vindicate the glory of his name. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 125 

Philistine Heeald. Reckon not on thy God, 
Since he no more 
Considers or regards thee, to permit 
Thy kin to seize, with all indignity. 
And yield to alien foes, his foes as thine. 
Besides, were he so minded, he could not 
Assist thee, weaker fonnd and less of force 
Than Dagon and the gods by ns adored 
With proof of combat, when, in battle joined 
Your servile heads bowed down beneath our spears. 
Not all your force sufficed, nor us subdued 
That day, though Israel's fiercest might contended 
With the utmost of his deity seconded. 
Cease then from hope, nor in thy fond expectance 
Await deliverance destined ne'er to come ; 
But rather principle thyself to bear 
Whatever chance may fall, which I assert thee 
Shall not be less than thy extremest thought. 

Sams'on". Were not thy coat and person by consent 
Of custom sacred, what withholds my hand 
To spare thy dastard life, and not at once 
Buffet thy structure low, or, raised, dash down 
With hazard of thy head and ruined sides? 
Then should it soon be known, in this attest 
At least, whose god were stronger, thine or mine, 
Or thus deserted found that champion raised, 
By his high acts on thine avouched, as well 
Of thy false words the contradiction proving. 

Choeus. Stir not, with vain breath of thy airy 
threats. 
The man's grim fires of wrath, already waked. 
And, Samson, hear thou us, nor in thy anger 
Give wisdom's rule to folly, as thy wont. 

Samson. Elders, farewell and peace. Though ye 
this day 
To me have shown but scant respect, dishonored 
My plea, and held in all contempt, yet now 



126 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

But comfortable words and fair I speak. 
AYhate^er may come I arm me to endure 
AYitli constant resolution, and perhaps 
I yet shall gain my chance by you withheld; 
For so is presage in my mind, at least. 
As for this windy boaster, o'er-assured 
My ignominious life and shameful death, 
Whether your force be dextrous to subdue 
The power of IsraeFs God, to me vouchsafed 
And manifested in my wondrous might, 
Twixt thee and me the event must arbitrate. 

Chokus. miserable change thou fallest upon, 
Samson, though with might endued 
More than the sons of men! 
So far presumption in thee wrought 
To wrest, through pride, the laws of God; 
Yet so repentance moved may still 
Reverse the solemn edict passed 
That dooms thy meted punishment, 
Though doubt much moves my tardy mind 
If justice roused be thus appeased ; 
Which now the sure event must arbitrate. 
But who comes thus in heated haste, as far 
He fared? an Ebrew, sure, but not of ours. 

Manoah. Elders and men of Judah, since to me 
Such were ye shown, behold one hither come 

Supposing here to find a son and wife 

Since rumor thus gave out, hence then my search 

Directed — whom my tardy presence here 

Seems not to find. Say therefore where to seek. 

But lest relation thus declare me not, 

Xor serve acquaintance, as my place not known, 

I am of Dan, Manoah is my name. 

But after knowledge gained, thus clear of doubt, 

Why guard ye silence, and with asking looks 

Gaze each on other, without uttered speech? 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 127 

Chorus. Then learn thy son's reproach, the worst 
that ever 
Could have bechanced him and his father's house. 
Because he broke the law of God express 
By alien wedlock, which our statutes ban. 
And peril, by his impious acts, on us 
Induced from our dread lords, the Caphtorim, 
Therefore have we, and no dispraise to us, 
Now given him bound with bonds into their hand. 
Of what hath fallen him notice yet is none ; 
But doubtless he by this hath paid full score 
And satisfied the extreme of their revenge 
In pains and penalties inflicted on him. 

Manoah. miserable hope ! was this that trust 
I had conceived as fits a father's love 
And care? Why was I mocked with specious good, 
As of a gift bestowed desirable, 
Yet drawing in the end discerned a sting? 
Is this the just requital of my faith 
That prayed a son, and gained, and such a son. 
Purposed by Heaven's attest to our deliverance ? 
Yet now himself deliverance most hath need. 
Incapable and vain against his foes ! 
Alas, if such their import when received. 
Such gifts, it seems, were best withheld, not given. 
But cancel now in part this grief with joy, 
Pair tidings of my wife and hope, or still 
Add'st thou to this hard sum another score 
Of woe, more grievous still to satisfy? 

Choeus. Manoah old, it irks me sore to say 
The heavy tidings, which thou yet must bear. 
Yet summon now thy most of man to learn 
The worst of grief that e'er thy ear shall strike. 
Thy wife, when she had known the sad relation 
Which thou but late hast learned, quite spent through 
grief, 



128 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Sunk down with sense distraught, whence some haye 

borne her 
Unto a house hard by, where yet she lies; 
Her state, or life or death, I cannot say. 
Yet never shroud in silence thus thy face 
With mantled robe, but give thy grief to speech. 
Lest with too rude irruption burst thy heart. 

Manoah. Ay me ! the worst ! God's favor thus with- 
drawn. 
And face, how shall I bear to pass my days ? 
Why should I longer live, since life prolonged 
Insures but added grief and more remorse? 
Death now inherits all my hopes conceived 
Of barren joy and fond expectancy, 
Yain all and fruitless; wherefore let him now 
Seize on me also, since desire is gone 
Of life bereft and solitary thus. 
Yet I would be resolved the worst ; for still 
The half woe lies in the uncertainty. 
Though of my son can tidings be but ill, 
Hope still would hope, and faith would fain believe. 
But let me hence, and learn what chance attends 
My wife, in strait distress by your report. 
The man, where dangers or dishonors press. 
Noblest and needliest by the woman stays. 
And from or with her guards or shares the worst. 

Chorus. Hold, for I hither speeding to thy wish 
Discern who may report thy son with news. 

Ebeew Messenger. miserable sight these eyes be- 
held. 
And still behold, and miserable to hear 
The ruinous noise that yet peals on my ears ! 
So lively still imagination shows. 
And fancy, the dread horror late I passed. 
But chance, or instinct, or some accident. 
Seems to have led me hither back again 
To you, my countrymen, though how scarce known, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 129 

Who doubtless also heard, the noise so dire. 

Choeus. Nothing we heard, except thy rueful outcry. 
From whose loud tumult comes no perfect witness 
Of what remarkably hath late been done ; 
Though from thy aspect thus much we infer, 
That aught unusual hath happened late, 
Which we must gain of thee, if still we learn. 

Ebrew Messenger. If I shall truly say what late I 
saw, 
Doubtful report will contradict belief. 

Choeus. Set out thy news at once, whatever known-. 
No hesitation needs ; belief will weigh 
Thy tidings, after due relation heard. 

Ebeew Messenger. Which thus far ask report, 
though hard to think. 
That all the host of Caphtorim is fallen. 

Choeus. Fallen, and by whom? Since never of 
themselves 
Fell such a host, nor yet by all our force. 

Ebeew Messengee. Then learn, though little cre- 
dence gain, and faith, 
At Samson's mighty hand they met their doom. 

Choeus. Little indeed, since late these eyes beheld 
him. 
Bound for his death. But still, if truth thou sayest. 
Proceed, relate the fact how it befell. 

Ebeew Messengee. Know, therefore, when puj 
champion parted hence 
By order of our lords to satisfy 
For us and our awarded forfeiture 
Redeem, that I obscurely fared aloof, 
Not, though in danger, thus to be deterred 
That I might know the end of this sad day : 
But not far; for, with earliest glimpse of dawn 
Removed his camp, the Caphtorim had bent 
With hastened expedition through the bounds 
To Judah portioned, weening to o'erpower 



130 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Our faint surprise ; and, with hot haste disdaining 

Order and rank, his gross adventurous bands 

ISTow with high noon drew to our city nigh. 

And soon, far in the south, first met our view 

A fierce array of aspect battailous, 

The banded powers of Caphtor hastening on, 

Both horse and foot, archers and slingers, spears, 

The choice and flower of their chivalry 

Met from all parts to this great task, who straight 

Assembled stood at sight of their grand foe 

Bound, and so tame, delivered in their hand ; 

AVhom when they saw, they raised a mighty shout 

Against him, as when thunder speaks from heaven. 

Roused by the sound, Samson upheaved his head 

"With eyes uplift, as one who prayed, till then 

Upon the ground fast-fixed, as in despair, 

Or meditating some great purpose high. 

And ere he scarce had raised them, when behold 

The Spirit of God fell on him, and each orb 

Shot fire, as lightning glares from justling clouds, 

That withered all their strength and vigor drained. 

Then from those mighty arms the binding cords 

Parted, as touched with flame. On their whole host 

He drove, with trivial weapon armed, the jaw 

Of a dead ass, which, in that glorious hand 

Pallen swift with tempest on his enemies. 

Slew largely of their chief and choicest youth. 

Chill horror froze their spirits ; idly dropped 

Their weapons, vain resistance were they raised; 

He, over helmed heads and fallen dead 

Fierce rushing, without let or hindrance slew, 

None daring opposition, all amaze, 

Such mighl^ execution wrought, and fear. 

The sword and wrath of Samson on his foes 

Strook with dismay, despaired, spiritless, fallen. 

So ranged our mighty champion through their host ; 

So fixed, so trembling, so of vigor drained. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 131 

A thousand foreskins fell, their flower and prime. 

Manoah. Come, then; no cause for lamentation 
here, 
Far less occasion. Samson like himself 
Himself hath quit, and vindicated quite 
His Heaven-attested mission; on his foes 
Defeat hath wrought, dishonor, fear, and shame ; 
To Israel hath brought freedom, so but they 
Seize the occasion, cause to further woe 
Upon our foes. Gaza in all her gates 
Deplores the rued attempt, for which shall rise 
Mourning and lamentation through the bounds 
Of Ecron, and in Asdod, and in Gath, 
Among the daughters of the Caphtorim; 
For never hath so dire a stroke befallen them, 
Since Israel first bowed beneath his yoke. 
Nothing wants now to joy, but that my wife. 
Associate and auxiliar in my hope. 
Share in these tidings glad and common mirth ; 
To whose dear side sad duty still enjoins me. 
So in my son's concern too much remiss. 

Chorus. All is of God, though oft with doubt 
Is Heavenly disposition dark, 
Aiming at ends unsearchable; 
Yet not amiss against its mark 
His counsel flies, how distant far; 
As now for us, whose chance hath proved 
Happy, and that his high intent 
Good out of evil brings forth still; 
The event the purpose vindicates. 



132 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 



SAMSON BLTODED 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Samsoist, having espoused and wedded Dalila, a 
woman of the Philistines^ in the vale of Sorec, is 
earnestly importuned by her to reveal the secret of his 
strength ; which he for some time refuses to do, putting 
her oS either by pretence or by absolute denial. Mean- 
while he chances to be visited by certain young men 
of the tribe of Dan — who make the chorus — as their 
former custom was, resorting to him for converse; and 
afterward by his father, Manoah, who, under premoni- 
tion of danger, warns Samson of evil to befall him from 
Dalila; which warning Samson scorns. Shortly after, 
Samson departs under pretence of some onset or act 
upon the Philistines that shall complete the deliverance 
of Israel. Then enters Dalila to the chorus, inquiring 
for Samson, and, after some converse, endeavoring his 
secret, which they refuse; whereupon Dalila, repeating 
her determination to succeed in her quest, goes out. 
Shortly after, Manoah again appears, with anxiety for 
Samson, having seen some Philistine liers-in-wait ; and 
is still more troubled to learn of Dalila's attempt upon 
the chorus to gain the secret. "W^iile in suspense as to 
what should be done, a messenger, an Ebrew, enters, 
relating what hath befallen Samson who is soon brought 
in, his eyes put out, in bonds, a prisoner to the 
Philistines; Dalila afterward appears also, and seeks 
reconciliation, but is rejected with scorn, and then with- 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 133 

draws^ glorying in her deceit ; whereupon the chorus seek 
to comfort Samson what they can, that, less in despair, 
he is led away, a captive, to Gaza; and the drama con- 
cludes. 



THE PERSOITS. 

Samson. 

Dalila, his wife. 

Manoah, father to Samson. 

Chorus of Danite Youths. 

Messenger. 

Servant. 

Public Officer. 

The Scene, Dalila's "house, in tKe vale of Sorec. 

Dalila. Once more with doubtful hope and wavering 
purpose. 
Although my oft repulse contrary warn 
And promise like event, if I persist, 
Samson, once more, ere lastly thou pronounce. 
Let me renew my pleaded suit, imploring 
That secret thou refused'st to impart 
At my solicitation, wondering much 
Of thy so strange refusal, for to me. 
As to thyself, thou safely may^st reveal. 
Who on thee no advantage could presume. 
The partner of my soul and other self. 
In whom I live my life, without thee not. 
But to no end exist, and days prolong 
With fruitless hope. If, as to me thou sayest, 



134 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Thou lov'st me yet, dost hold me yet endeared 

Thy wife, esteem'st me yet and cherishest. 

Thou wilt not longer my request defer. 

But wilt reveal what I so long have sought. 

Wherein thy strength consists and safety placed, 

Thy stubborn secret held, and citadel 

Which I with constant hope so long have tried, 

Yet vainly, to my sorrow, thus assuring. 

Beyond a shadowing doubt, thy heart sincere. 

And trust in me reposed, faithful, approved. 

The solace and sure seal of this our love. 

For, where twixt faith of wedded man and wife 

Some secret stands, no perfect union joins, 

But discord, fear, suspicion, lastly hate, 

That all their fair domestic peace confounds. 

If thou canst use me thus, thy wife esteemed 

And dear delight, as thou hast oft professed. 

Thou lov^st me not, and but in scorn dost hold me, 

As thou didst fear me false, or over-fond. 

So to reveal, and thus thy wrath assured. 

Thy anger, scorn, displeasure, if revealed 

The secret of thy safety and thy life. 

Samson. Not that I trust thee not, or fear thee 
false, 
Disloyal to thy faith and fealty sworn. 
Have I refused, and still refuse, though such 
Might well be warned, as thereby not surprised, 
By first experience. Did not she of Timna 
Betray her solemn trust and solemn faith. 
When in her prime of spousal love professed 
She basely to my spies and rivals gave 
The trusted secret, on whose issue hung not 
The hazard of my safety and my life. 
As here depending? She, with like assurance 
Of wifely love to me and faith maintained. 
Yet scrupled not, hard pressed and sore beset, 
Basely my secret for her gain to barter. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 135 

(yercome by magtering imj)ortuTiity. 

Not therefore that I fear thy false intent 

Do I refuse thee; but I fear thy weakness, 

Lest, in like caKe of sore-besetting need. 

Not willingly perhapH, but for thy life. 

Whose loss at moments even the bravest fears. 

Or in a time when unprf^pared^ which all, 

The best, most principJed with good, have felt. 

Thou also, with like error, do what thou, 

Or armed with wontfjd virtue, or by knowledge 

Made stronger, never couldst consent to do. 

Nor should I, as thy husband, thus expose 

Thy virtue to temptation, that assails 

Unsought; trial enough, be sure, will come, 

Without thy seeking, i/> approve thy faith, 

Which will require thy utmost to opy^osc. 

And not thy curious knowledge to divide 

I'hat strength, to thee for other use imparted. 

So shall I best my love t^j thee approve 

By love maintained from trial un secure. 

Not by indulgence weak to work thy fall. 

Or, at the least, confusion somewhat raise. 

Which might our peace and household faith confound. 

Nor does thy happiness upon that knowledge 

TJepend; thy love sincere to me remains 

Without that secret, which revealed would raise 

Trouble, which raised thou wouhlst avoid, yet thus 

Would work what thou might'st vainly thence repent. 

Then seek naught which can not thy happiness 

Increase, but might diminish, or destroy 

Our love; which to maintain should be thy care. 

l)ALiLA. Deny me not here, Samson, not thy wont, 
WTjo still thy thoughts with me art wont to part. 
My solace and sole comfort, since to thee 
TJnited from my nation cuts me off. 
By this degraded, as they hold, to thee, 
Of race inferior, joined; though joined to thee 



136 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Assures me not the favor yet of thine, 

Who evermore repulse my friendly notions, 

Jealous of thee perhaps, and of my love, 

Whereof good proof to thee that day I gave, 

When I against my country and my faith 

(For so the priest rang ever in my ear. 

Preaching how impious to my country's gods 

It would be to espouse an enemy. 

Our fiercest, most inveterate, who had slain 

Such numbers of our nation and the flower) 

Peceived thee for my husband, loved thee, served thee 

In all good faith, and still thy welfare seek, 

Would still in quiet love, with thee would live, 

My highest happiness and peace accounted, 

Asking thee only to approve thy faith 

As mine to thee, by yielding this last proof, 

The secret that divorces me from thee, 

Still separates our union, mine from thine, 

Whose heart entire I covet, nor would share. 

Except against my will, with aught; repulse 

"No longer her so long who justly sues. 

Samson. With sorrow I refuse; and could desire 
Some other question of my love, some proof 
Whose surety I could readily vouchsafe, 
Thou wouldst prefer, and not thus constant urge 
So hard the secret, the one citadel 
I must not yield — too long, if without rudeness 
I may presume, too long by thee assailed; 
Thy importunity too far hath borne thee 
Against thy constant service and thy love. 
Desist then to prefer thy soft request. 
That must, if too far urged, but more divide 
Division, and the rupture slight increase. 

Dalila. If such thy purpose, then in vain I sought 
To heal our wounded love, and have but widened, 
Though to my pain and grief — more than to thine, 
I fear, since ever so the woman feels 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 137^ 

The most, and suffers most love's parting pain; 

But suffering can bear and silent hide 

Her sorrow and heart-grief. And I no less 

Will suffer, as I loved, with due regard 

That no extreme be known, howe'er the smart; 

To bear without complaint is woman's lot. 

And silently endure her chiefest praise. 

But see ! for yonder through the shade discerned 

A youthful troop steering this way their steps ; 

Perhaps thy friends, who for thy wished converse 

Are wont to come; whom fitly to receive 

Thou must with favor meet, and I retire. 

Chorus. This, this is whom we sought, 
The dread invincible of Israel's foes, 
The glory of his nation and the boast, 
With matchless might endued 
And heavenly vigor armed, 
Whose dread heroic strength", 
Now blazed and famous through remotest bounds of 

earth. 
No ode, or choicest lyric song. 
Or storied legend told in lofty verse. 
Can to the height of his true worth exalt. 
Crowning his name with universal praises. 

Semi-choeus. For first, his flowering youth yet 
scarcely blown 
And virtue yet unproved. 
With strenuous might he slew 
The solitary beast that wons in wild. 
Tearing him, as the lion tears the kid. 

Semi-chorus. Then, to avenge the riddle's dastard 
stealth 
And wagered pledge redeem. 
Thirty, the flower and choice of Ascalon, he slew, 
Alone, and without aid 
Armed in himself complete. 
Scorning their weapons proud and martial tools. 



138 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Semi-choeus. Then, for his wrested bride and faith 
profaned. 
Upon his hapless foes. 
Distract, surprised, amazed, 
"Weaponless and unarmed he singly fell. 
Though clad in mail they stood, proudly secure 
Of him whose dreaded might and wondrous force 
They sought to overthrow; 
But nathless wrought their shame, 
When on their battled might 
His anger with impetuous fury smote. 
And quelled their pride. 

Semi-choeus. Then, armed with trivial weapon, 
largely slew 
The choice and prime of their Philistine 3^outh 
In Ramath-Lechi, where the bidden spring 
"With kindly rupture burst from the dry ground. 
After the brunt of battle, to allay 
His thirst, and virtue restore. 

Semi-choeus. Then on his shoulders took, 
And by main strength upbare, 
The massy gates of Gaza, post and door, 
iSTo trivial burden borne, or distance passed. 
Toward Hebron, ancient seat of Anakim. 

Choeus. Where shall I first extol 
Thy dread heroic might. 
With plain celestial fortitude adorned 
And heavenly vigor armed. 
Worthiest all renown and highest glory? 
For thee I reckon chiefest in estate, 
"WTiose strength by Heaven endued 
And wondrous might bestowed. 
By wondrous acts expressed and wondrous deeds. 
The miracle of men. 

Declare their doer's worth, and highest tell 
His fame and loftiest praises. 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 139 

Samsok. Your presence, friends, is kindly; for 1 
gain 
Now by experience dear how current runs 
The coin debased of friendship counterfeit. 
For not, as once they used, hither resort 
Frequent my friends for oft converse, wherefrom 
I drew fresh virtue, vigor new derived. 
To work my mighty mission. Tell me, comrades, 
Whence is that falling off, that strange defection, 
'No ancient enmity or new offence 
Between us known ? Why am I slighted thus, 
Cut off from all my nation, disavowed 
As sprung of hated stock idolatrous. 
Or held unclean? Other return is due 
For those great acts which God by me hath wrought 
Upon our conquerors; gratitude and thanks 
And better no small praise beseem than thus 
!N"eglected and discarded, as though held 
Alien, outcast, uncircumcised, despised. 

Choeus. Be not offended then, if plainly set 
The reason, which perhaps, though hard to hear, 
May work thy remedy; apt words, though harsh, 
Unpalatable, ungrateful, undesirable. 
Yet, spoken with sincere intent, as herbs 
Bitter in taste, but healing of effect. 
Medicine and alleviate the ill. 
For, to say truth, men deem thee fallen away 
To our oppressors, since thy hated wedlock, 
ISTow twice repeated, which persuades the more, 
Forbidden with the uncircumcised to join, 
Argues no longer thee of ours esteemed. 
Or over-proud towards us to condescend. 
Much wonder have I felt, and often heard. 
That thou hast twice espoused an infidel, 
Uncircumcised, unclean, unceremonial. 
So main against thy God and country's law; 
The more, that sad event in nuptial choice 



140 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And lot unfortTinate might well deter 
Thee from attempting what so near thy ruin 
Once wrought, thus hardly from the snare escaped. 
Samson". Doubtful it seems, I own; yet still must 
plead, 
My sole extenuation and excuse. 
Divine impulsion prompting me to find 
Some cause upon our foes that might redeem 
Our hated yoke. For not through fondest love, 
Vanquished by passion weak, have I urged on 
The former marriage, or this second joined; 
But that I might my mission prosecute. 
To free my nation from Philistine yoke. 
The task divine on me enjoined from Heaven ; 
My own advantage weighed not, how might best 
Serve my own end of pleasure, thus conjoined 
With her who had my wished destruction planned. 
And once had well-nigh wrought; but I escaped 
Her snare, when she, my former, basely sold 
My secret to those bridal spies and rivals, 
"Who sought my undermining, but their own 
Achieved, importunate of death, and rash. 
When I on them fierce vengeance executed 
For violated oath and right profaned. 
'Not in this other seems more faith, who urges 
Against denial to besiege the secret 
Wherein my seal of strength and safety placed. 
Now thrice, with blandishment and woman's tears. 
She hath essayed me, summing all her wiles, 
With feminine allurement, sly assault; 
And thrice have I refused her, thrice withstood 
Her wordy batteries, to idle sport 
Turning her utmost importunity. 
But she, by all her failure undeterred. 
Though better taught by ill successes past. 
Surceases not to storm me day nor night 
With her assaults, outwatched and over-worn, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 141 

Adjuring me by all the ties of love, 

And ties of wedlock duty, nuptial faith, 

Professing first my duty wanting to her 

And her great love toward me, then threatening high 

To leave me, if refused, as more with me 

To live no pleasure, since my passion cooled 

And trust in her destroyed, or undermined 

At least, thus nicely or thus cautiously 

Her suit denied. So she assaults me sore 

!N'ow this fourth time, and stronger the assault » 

But vainly, since I never will reveal. 
Thus impiously and weakly, the strict pledge 
And vow inviolate, wherein reposed 
The secret of my safety and my life. 

Chorus. Wisely hast thou determined, wisely held, 
Though urged, thy bosom-purpose ; since before. 
And often, wisest men have been deceived 
By some bad woman, once in wedlock joined; 
Or, over-fond, reposing firm their trust. 
Thinking no evil where no evil seemed. 
Or holding cheap the snare of woman's power 
To frustrate, or divert, or undermine 
Their inmost counsels. Well thou hast once come off, 
Hast once escaped the toils, though to thy cost. 
The wonder thus of many that again 
Thou sett'st thy feet so near a second snare. 

Samson. IJnduly are they moved, and for my; 
welfare 
Too far concerned, who ever have left off 
To follow, where I led them first the way 
That guides to freedom ; which they, over-cautious. 
Or loving more their lives than liberty. 

Servitude more than generous liberty 

Hard liberty and easy servitude 

Neglect, and like despise that champion raised 
To their deliveran-ce ; whom, if he begin, 
They will suspect, and envy, and desert, 



142 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Holding my glorious actions in contempt, 
Though destined their deliverance foretold, 
And on mj task heaping inglorious shame. 
And therefore let them serve, who have rejected 
Offered assistance thrice, and be themselves 
Sufficient to themselves, if they suffice 
To gain their freedom scorned, since they from me 
Eefused that glorious boon. For me refused 
Means what but God refused, whose purpose high 
Endued my strenuous might and vigor gave, 
His counsel scorned, and him, not me, despised, 
His covenant rejected, and those gods, 
"Whom meanly now they serve, to him preferred? 
Just cause of wrath and their deserving sin. 

Choeus. Dark are the minds of men, 
And darkly endued 

Their counsel, struck insensate or depraved, 
To wrath divine given over. 
And by their folly drawn to their own hurt, 
With sight internal dark. 
When on their hapless heads, 
Defenceless left, or struck with sense deject, 
Surprised, bereft, amazed, 
God visits all his might and vents his wrath 
In tempests of fierce destruction. 

Yet they not more instruct, but persevere 
To evil, though God oft of favor warn 
By prodigies and signs of portent, visioned dreams, 
Seeking to make acquainted his high purpose; 
Until, his anger waked 
And patience quite o'erpassed, 
Deserted and depraved, to ill given over. 
On ruin they strike. 

Wrecking their vessel gloriously given from above, 
And partly their faith aSect, 
Haply they make not shipwrack of their lives. 

Else had not been, except his counsel served. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 143 

Those visitings of wrath, and fierce avenging stroke 

Of servitude beneath our cmel foes, 

'Not thus our fair expectancy prolonged 

With sure deliverance offered, 

Nor we so long unsuccored 

Under a hateful yoke, abject, despised. 

Though chosen once to rule 

The land where now we serve. 

But we his easy government forsook, 
And, joined with idols foul. 
Provoked his righteous wrath, 
Whose instant stroke denounced, though oft delayed, 
Hath now overwhelmed; 
Yet, pitying our sad plight 
And lost undone estate. 
Many a mighty champion oft he raised 
To our deliverance; 

But we received them not, nor yet sincere 
Repented of our sin, but God contemned. 
Which more increased our shame. 
And wrought our deeper woe. 
To lowest pitch of abject misery fallen. 

But see ! for hither bent in haste. 
As on some purposed errand bound. 
Thy sire, Manoah, comes; 
Whose here intent, or friendly or adverse, 
The sure event will inform us. 

Manoah. Samson, before and oft have I essayed 
thee. 
And urged thee hard with deeds which thou main- 

tainedst 
Not will, but strong impulsion, set thee on. 
Though to thy own undoing; but thou pledd'st 
Permission given thee from above, divine. 
With purpose to infest our grievous foes, 
That thou mightst work Israel's deliverance. 
The task whereto thou wast ordained by Heaven; — > 



144 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Whose outcome never hath approved thy plea. 

But rather warned thee to desist the act 

Sinful by law pronounced, and in the end 

Causing thy grief and shame, and to thy foes 

Occasion to their triumph, though thy might 

Hath changed their harm, the ruling will of Heaven-. 

Nor in thy marriage-choices hath appeared 

Other; but, counter to our law express, 

Unschooled in prudence aught, in life unskilled 

Secure, to passion giving headlong rein, 

Thou didst espouse and wed an infidel. 

An alien to our race and thence forbid. 

Whence all thy ills have sprung and grievous woes. 

Nor in thy second choosing wert thou warned 

Aught by thy first, but joined her like, or worse. 

Whence ruin must ensue and still worse harms. 

Yet came I not with purpose to upbraid thee 

For thy default and sin, rather to warn, 

Lest in thy thought suflBcient some worse thing 

Some way or other further to annoy thee 

Might rise, and thou, not warned, careless might fall; 

Not that I know undoubted, or have gained 

By hearsay or report, for seldom come 

Such to my ears, but, if aught presage warn. 

Or there be premonition in the mind, 

Some harm or grievous ill impends upon thee. 

Which haply thy foreknowing might prevent. 

Or, warned and thus aware, thou might'st escape. 

Then wilt thou be advised, or, unaware, 

Continue, till at length in ruin fallen? 

Samson". That danger may impend surprises not, 
And from what foe or source not far to learn; 
For, since my mighty acts upon our foes 
Performed, they have not ceased to seek my harm. 
But I have still escaped, have still maintained 
Entire my strength, have kept my secret whole 
And fortress safe, by oft surprisal tried 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 145 

And oft attempt. Hence admonition warns not 
Or danger or from whom it may arise. 
Yet for thy kindly motions in my welfare, 
Not often now expressed or often shown, 
Think me not so ungrateful, lost to shame, 
As not to feel some stirrings of regard 
For my behoof; though, as thou seest, not needed 
Anxiety or fear for my concern. 

Manoah. Be not too careless, over-confident. 
Secure in thy own knowledge, thy own strength, 
But let another's judgment, not thy own, 
Sway, or at least assist thy purpose formed; 
For so becomes the office of a friend. 
To warn, admonish, still reprove, though harsh' 
Often reproof or admonition given; 
Yet so to avoid offence, if without harm 
May be avoided, as I doubt if now. 
For I express am come, and for this purpose. 
To warn thee of this woman thou hast joined 
To be thy wife, and to admonish thee 
Of danger, if thou longer persevere 
With her to live, and not at once shall leave; 
Sorrowful, that offence by this must come 
Between us, but no less this to endure. 
Or worse, if worse there be that may arise. 
Contented only if at last I win thee 
To thy true good and welfare, as I aim. 

Samson". Thy warning I repulse not, but receive, 
For so in kindness meant, yet follow not ; 
Since, to myself myself sufficient deemed 
And now to proper age arrived, I yield not 
Unduly to another, but myself 
Eegard, and follow what to me deemed right. 
But, though thy labor useless, yet not lost. 
Since never lost the action kindly meant. 
Yet that I ever will desert the wife 
Myself have joined, and still have held endeared, 



146 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Still cherished, loved, esteemed, thou may'st not think, 

Since other counsel, other act, becomes 

The virtuous husband; though his wife he love not, 

Wliile faithful she remains, due right demands 

And faith sincere constrains he should receive 

And cherish, still should foster, nor desert. 

But still his wife consider, loved, endeared. 

Manoah. Of those our law forbids not, women found 
Of our own tribe or nation, sentence holds; 
But this, of alien stock derived, adjudged 
Uncircumcised, unclean, unceremonial, 
'Not only not enjoined, but strait forbid 
To wed, or wedded cleave to, her no law 
Commands thee still to keep, with her to live. 
Rather forbids thee not; no reason then 
Why thou shouldst longer love, or with her live. 
The more, because thy enemy accounted 
And sprung of heathen stock, our foe professed, 
"Warns thee the rather now to null those bonds 
Which may, if I mistake not, work thy ruth. 
Nor is opinion only to my cause. 
Already she hath tried thee, tasted, sought 
To undermine thy welfare by obtaining 
Thy secret in her power; and that thou 
Wast proof against her argues not the less 
Her wicked act, solicitous attempt 
To work thy ruin, nor assures that thou 
More than thy former will refuse to her 
The object of her importunity. 
Thy weakness, if I may without reproach 
Remind thee, as thou knowest, too nearly wrought 
Thy ruin once, against my warning pled 
AVhen thou didst persevere and headlong join 
That woman, who confusion to thee brought 
And wished thy harm. ISTor deem this other else, 
Or seeking more thy good, howe'er she descant 
Of wifely duty, wifely love and faith. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 147 

Be warned then, while in time thou mayest, before 
The threatened ruin fall, and thou repent 
Too late, when thou receivest what once scorned. 
Samson". That thou dost hold some danger threatens 
near 
1 well can think, yet cannot all receive 
Wliat thou so main hast urged, or false or fond 
The woman I have joined to be my wife. 
For though thy reasons from our law hold good 
And capable in ordinary, here, 
A^Hiere God hath prompted, urged the act express, 
With purpose to redeem his chosen people 
From servitude, they argue not my sin, 
Thus with the uncircumcised in wedlock joined, 
'Not urging to invalidate or null 
The bonds of spousal faith conjoined, though here 
With one of race by law forbid, nor lastly 
So to desert, on nothing proved thus grounding 
Some faint suspicion had of ill or harm 
Offered by whom such first from me prevented. 
But grant thy reasons good, and that to me 
Danger impends, if I reveal the secret 
Wherein my safety placed and life secure, 
No peril yet impends, while I hold fast 
My fixed determination not to yield, 
Not to di^oilge by word or motioned act, 
Nor by expression aught betray, thus fond. 
The fortress of my silence to a woman, 
A^Tierein my safety garrisoned and life. 
And this thou mayest with more assurance have. 
Because I, once essayed, escaped the snare. 
Which warns me, and the warning well received, 
Never to trust nor to another give. 
Although my wife sincere and true accounted, 
What by myself best known. Herein if I 
Persist, what danger or what harm can threat 
While I remain but faithful to myself ? 



148 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Manoah. I praise thy resolution, while I fear 
Thy former weakness to the mastering charms 
Of powerful beauty. Virtue is safe, untried, 
But liable to fall, proudly secure; 
ISTor loses aught her worth, if but discretion. 

Her best ally, she grapple and hold fast 

For to avoid is better than escape 

The danger, and the more assurance gives 

Of safety, valorous, yet found discreet- 



But entered in the toils, and once entangled. 

Finds hard escape, ^or canst thou, once embroiled. 

Gain hope or respite that thy nation roused 

To thy deliverance will afford thee aid. 

The less, that, when thou stood'st in height of fame. 

Full of magnanimous intent, high thoughts, 

After some acts of proof indeed heroic 

And favor shown upon thy ways by Heaven, 

Thence by such proof and favor shown impelled 

To work thy country's freedom, they the sooner, 

Or false, or over-fond, or impotent. 

Resigned thee to thy foes, who had demanded 

The satisfaction of thy life for deeds 

Which thou by strait appointment hadst performed 

For their behoof who traitorously yielded 

Thee to those cruel enemies provoked 

By those same acts which rightly viewed had wrought 

Allies to aid thy task enjoined from Heaven. 

Then since thou for thy own behoof must stand 

Sufficient to thyself, and of thy own 

Live to thyself, the livelier reason bids 

That caution thou conjoin with hardihood. 

Lest unawares thou work thyself much harm 

By weak dependence placed where none is found. 

Nor this alone. Thy mission high asserted, 

To wrest thy nation from Philistine yoke, 

Delayed or quite forgot, thou long foregoest, 

Since long indeed the time thy last assault 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 149 

Humbled their high-built pride, and dashed their hope 
To frustrate, or destroy, or render naught 

That mighty strength on thee endued from Heaven 

To other purpose given, other end, 

Than to sit weakly on the household hearth 

In luxury or slothfulness or ease, 

Thus vassal to a woman, in the toils 

Of amorous snare, the wonder and reproach 

Of all thy kindred, all thy nation slaved. 

Whom thou wast sent expressly to redeem. 

And to thy foes contemned a gaze and scorn. 

Whence some have fallen away to our dread lords 

And joined their worship foul, by thee seduced 

And bad example dra^vTi, thus diflSdent 

Leaving their Living Strength, enough before 

Given to waver and fall off to idols. 

Samson". Whole to m3^self I well can live, nor ask, 
ISTor need their godless aid who have rejected. 
More traitorously than I, that covenant 
Between Jehovah joined and IsraeFs sons. 
Expressly joined, !^^o^ shall I sorrow aught, 
Nor aught repine or dread, if I shall live 
Sufficient from my own, and from myself 
Draw my own strength, sujSicient while I keep 
My vow inviolate and locks unshorn. 
'Not have I held my mission light, despised; 
But thrice our governors and heads of tribes 
Have slighted, or neglected, or opposed 
My high attempts to break the cruel yoke 
Under which now they chafe, forgetful thus 
That those who aim at freedom and assay 
Deliverance from a hated servitude 
Themselves must first their inward freedom work, 
Before their outward liberty attained. 
Hence they deserve naught else but to obey 
With painful servitude those cruel lords 
Who have enslaved them, since themselves not free. 



150 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

But slaves to passion, hate, mistrust, and guile. 

Xor would it much avail, should I again 

Move aught upon our foes to their deliverance, 

Thrice in event so proving, justly held 

The shame and deep reproach of all our nation, 

Though theirs the fault, not mine, since they refused 

Ungratefully the gift to them designed. 

Maxoah. I am sorry what this resolution cost thee. 

SAMSOi^. Perhaps to others cause of sorrow also. 

Manoah. Wouldst thou then still maintain, as now 
determined ? 

Samson". !^o less than if by God himself enjoined. 

Ma>^"oah. Regard thyself; this may work near thy 
ruin. 

Samsoist. Yet so I persevere, nor aught abate. 

Manoah. I cannot praise thy purpose, 3"et admire 
"What strict determination hath impelled thee 
And held thee jfirm ; nor think me yet offended, 
iSTor hurt by thy refusal, nor let rise 
Reason of quarrel, which would more defeat 
My end, to work thy good and welfare best, 
The purpose and wished aim that still I seek. 

Samsox. Mistake not, friends, if strictly I refuse 
The object of such importunity, 
Though moved toward me in all sincere intent, 
Xor yield, though by solicitation urged 
And father's asking, since in this myself. 
And not another, must of right determine 
^Tiat for my own best welfare deemed and good. 
'Not should I, as of age accountable 
And ripened of experience, to another 
Give o'er the reins of rule, as to myself 
K"ot trusting aught, or easily thus moved. 
But casting so right reason from her office, 
Distrusting, or not countenanced her due ; 
Thence weak, and of her exercise deprived. 
Unable to determine or deter, 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 151 

If aught of moment rise to be resolved, 
When on herself depending. I should so 
Myself work my own harm, and be myself 
The cause of my own ruin, thus unwares 
Bereft of reason's aid, unapt, unfit. 
Unprompted aught of merit or of praise. 
Which would be to determine my own fall. 
Too lightly swayed, or without reason drawn 
From my own counsel, what concerns me most. 
And on my mission bring contempt deserved. 

Chorus. I cannot praise thy resolution, Samson, 
Yet neither blame, both praise and blame must mix. 
For counsel, though well-meaning, hath wrought harm, 
If over-trusted, nor sufficient weighed; 
Contrary, some, too stiff in self -opinion. 
Or seeing not their good, by passion blinded. 
Or thinking them sufficient to themselves. 
Led on by vanity and high ambition, 
Eocks on which men perhaps have oftest wrecked, 
Wrought sooner their own niin, unaware. 
Proudly secure of self, unthought to fall. 
But thou of self take counsel, and determine 
\\Tiat best may serve thy end, that thou, at least, 
Have but thyself to censure or reproach, 
If the outcome answer not thy purposed thought. 

Samson". At least no blame on other could attach, 
And I pretend surprisal, unforewamed. 
Or led on by false light of erring counsel 
Until in ruin dashed — far from my thought. 
For never would the woman I have Joined 
Desire or seek my harm, however urged. 
Or with what strong persuasion hard assailed; 
And in her seeking motions but to hold me 
More to herself endeared, to her secure, 
Fearing perhaps lest one day I should leave 
As once at Timna, counsels only then 
To keep me safe, whole to herself and love; 



152 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Though yet to her I will not weakly yield 
What nearly to my safe concern pertains, 
Lest, unawares, or in some evil moment 
Strongly assailed, she may as weakly yield. 
But other purpose moves me importuned 

By thoughts which late my father had let fall 

Not weakly to lie idle, and thence scorned, 
Contemned, despised, but, once more recollecting 
That mission high enjoined, with summoned might 
By sudden act or onset to surprise 
Israel's oppressors, and from them to wrest 
Entire our freedom; since long time secure 
From inroad, careless grown, indifferent, 
Esteeming me their vassal or ally. 
Unwilling, or not heartened to such task, 
So long at ease sojourning in their land 
And by the ties of wedlock indisposed 

To aim at hostile acts or work their harm 

Good reason then, if unaware surprised 

And faint, unfortified by warning fear, 

I upon them some sudden act determine 

That may complete secure deliverance. 

This would revenge, indeed, and close the mouths 

Of those who cease not to forewarn destruction, 

If I persist in what I have allied, 

This wedlock, and compel perforce their praise, 

Who only ruin bode and blame foretell 

Reason well to induce at least the trial. 

Chorus. Thy purpose well approves thy wisdom, 
Samson, 
Thus to determine; for I oft have heard 
Men wonder that thou didst not quite complete 
Thy task, from Heaven pretended, whose right proof 
'Not argument nor idle talk aSords, 
But to assure thy boast, make good thy plea, 
By freedom wrought entire. If this be done. 
And thou by proof approve thy mission highj 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 153 

No longer will they waste in idle breatH, 
But, silent and confuted, own thy right 
By silence, nor yet longer thee annoy, 
Pretending falsely deemed thy task preferred. 
Or blame thee arrogant and over-proud. 

Samson. I long had meditated, and before 
Determined on this task, nor to myself 
Attach the blame deferred; but our due lords, 
Ill-meaning, politic, neglected still. 
Despised, mistrusted, hated, to our foes 
Gave me a welcome prey, nor cared in aught 
Whether that act should end me or should spare. 
But sacrificed me for their welfare deemed. 
Unmindful of their future state, preferring 
Hard servitude to easy liberty. 
Nor do they now, although their judge ordained, 
Respect me, serve me, cherish and assist me, 
By their free sufferance in this office placed. 
But I too long have wavered, and kept back 
Prom this my glorious mission, held by thoughts 
That nulled my purpose; since, though they found 

slack, 
Ease-amorous, idle, obligation holds 
Upon me still to work my mighty task, 
While still this strength remains, the surety given, 
Garrisoned in my hair inviolate, 
Nor should the gift of God lie useless thus. 

Choeus. With cause this resolution, since averred 
By some that, in despite those high attempts 
To break our yoke, freedom no nearer gained, 
No nearer wrought thy task assumed from Heaven, 
Since Israel still serves with servitude. 
Yet other reasons to this act induce, 
And well according purpose held. Perhaps 
This gifted might remains no more, unused, 
As like despised, disdained, contemned, and scorned. 
The glorious faculties that Heaven endues. 



154 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Keglected, or but slackly exercised, 

Are suffered not to waste in idle slotli. 

But taken to assure them not our own, 

Thus lent of Heaven, that strict accompt requires; 

The more inducement then to this high task, 

Before too late, and vainly thence, assayed. 

Yet not upon thy single strength attempted 

So dangerous enterprise, as on one act 

Casting the hazard, with repulse defeated 

Our hope entire and end; but to thyself 

Some strength sufficient join and aid who, under 

Thy conduct, will insure total success. 

And quite redeem our yoke, the aim designed. 

Samson". Thy thought is not unfounded, but must 
fail 
Of purpose, that I should with others' aid 
Prosecute thus my lofty task determined; 
Por, as my counsel no auxilliar needed, 
Although by father's asking wrought and fear, 
So also not my strength, judged in itself 
Sufficient to whatever task; superfluous 
Either by wiles to work, or to itself 
Conjoin assistance; whereof soon good proof 
This selfsame day affords, since I no more 
Will vouchsafe to delay, already now 
Too long dela3ring, but will prosecute 
This mission, so that all who hear may own 
My courage yet undamped, nor strength impaired. 
Parewell, then; and of me expect to hear 
iSTothing impure, unvalorous, unworthy, 
But such as may become our God and Law, 
Beseeming both my nation and myself. 

Chorus. glorious gift of strength and matchless 
might 
By will of Heaven endued 
To our foretold deliverance! 
As God's prevailing counsel oft decreed 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 155 

And wisdom high ordained 

His strenuous champions raised 

To work his mighty purpose, 

With heavenly vigor adorned 

And plain celestial virtue armed, 

"When they his purposed wrath have visited 

Upon his hapless foes, 

"Who, reft of strength, distracted and surprised, 

Upon ruin have struck. 

Insensate, spiritless, despairing, fallen. 

"^Hiich had our promised freedom long secured 
And reft our captive yoke, 
Abject, unworthy, vile ; 

But them our fathers owned not, nor received. 
Although those mighty acts 
Attested well their mission high imposed 
And task divine asserted, 
To set his people free. 

And, these despised, with justice high incensed 
His favor God withdrew 
And turned his holy eyes, 
Thence visiting upon their scorn 

The wrath reserved and destined for their foes 

Just punishment inflicted 
And their deserving sin, 
Ungratefully who had received 
His champions high ordained, 
Yet more ungrateful left. 
Despised, contemned, deserted. 
Visiting all contempt upon their deeds. 

"Which task his favor high had thee appointed, 
Samson, by merit proved 
Strongest of mortal men. 
With heavenly vigor thus endued 
And celestial virtue armed 
To break thy nation^s cruel foes, 
Thy mission high asserted 



156 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And work by Heaven imposed, 

Except some evil chance, or thy weak sin, 

That might thy strength o'ercome, or force impair 

Insensibly, thence struck with sense depraved. 

Draw thee aside, defeating his high purpose. 

So let not like mischance befall thee, Samson, 
With wondrous might endued above the sons of men; 
Rather may God regard those mighty deeds, 
The surety of thy mission high enjoined 
And pledge of task imposed, 
Already now in part achieved, 
With hopeful recompence 
Turning thy labors to successful end. 

But softly, for behold where yonder cornea 
Some Philistean woman, as I deem. 
So by her habit known; 
And now, on nearer view, not else than found 
His wife, Dalila, come. 

Dalila. My coming, friends, was not to pry, or gain 
Some notice of your doings or your words, 
Of unforeseen approach thus unaware. 
If haply I might learn, but to obtain 
Some tidings of my husband, parted late 
Erom me, and busied in converse with you, 
Eor so from some I had; yet here not found 
My hopeful search. Say therefore where to seek. 

Choeus. But late with us he stood, yet now is passed, 
Bound on some purpose that concerned him nearly. 
For so to us but lately he vouchsafed; 
Whereof much wonder is if thus to thee 
Imparted not, or not to thee revealed 
What might suffice thy knowledge, since his wife 
Esteemed gave thee some title to have known 
His doings; though perhaps his soon departure 
May have prevented him determined thus. 

Dalila. Doubtless; though yet of late he gives no 
care 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 157 

For my behoof or comfort, since from me 

He long withholds a secret I have still 

Endeavored, but in vain; though, if he grant. 

Not less my love to him, but only more 

Assured, and firmlier fixed my faith. But he 

Delays me, still refuses, puts me off, 

One while pretending to have plain revealed. 

Yet found on trial false; again, implored. 

With like pretence deceiving, so that I 

Am vexed, thus made a fool and still o'erborne. 

Thrice have I thus assailed him, thrice have sought 

To win from him the secret he so guards ; 

And thrice he hath deluded, thrice denied. 

Turning to sport my importunity. 

Again, and this fourth time, have I besieged 

The secret, but thus far with like success, 

Unhoping, but still stubborn to succeed; 

Since never can I cease or quiet rest 

Until this final hindrance that remains 

Between us, and divorces our close union, 

Give way, and nothing still divide our love. 

For betwixt faith of wedded man and wife 

By right no secret stands, or, standing, breeds 

Mistrust, at least suspicion, if not hate. 

And wrecks all happiness, and peace confounds. 

But ye perhaps have learned, by knowledge gained 

Or some relation heard, and can reveal 

The secret I have sought, approving so 

Your friendly mind to him, and like to me 

Imparting on what most my peace depends. 

Chorus. Neither his leave we have, nor deem it 
right 
Thus to reveal what closely by him guarded, 

His bosom-secret held and purpose fixed 

Thus by revealing only to divide 

And more the rupture widen, now enough 

Divided, as thou deemest, which but worsens 



158 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

What gladly thou wouldst better; so insure 

To us his wrath, and thou no richer left, 

But poorer, by his anger thus obtained. 

Good reason then to give thy seeking o'er. 

And rest contented, if not satisfied, 

With what thou hast, his love to thee assured 

And faith maintained, nor lose, by seeking, all. 

Dalila. Is not some way perhaps to move this mind ? 

Chorus. We still are firm and fixed in our dissent. 

Dalila. Bethink yourselves; this may give high 
offence. 

Choeus. Yet with like resolution still maintained. 

Dalila;. I am sorry if this mind work near your 
ruin. 

Chokus. Think not to move us aught, or daunt by 
threats 
Idle, as thou perceivest, or to thyself 
More danger holding; since toward thee his wrath 
Aroused and anger waked, if thou shouldst force 
Against his will the secret he so guards, 
Nor will reveal. Hence double rage expect, 
If thou through treachery, or craft, or guile. 
Win from another what from him thou couldst not. 
Just cause to him of anger not to pass. 

Dalila. I thought to gain the secret, and have 
purpose 
Still to possess, not out of levity 
Inquisitive, with curiosity 
As over-powered, but only to remove 
The great desire I have more to insure 
And fix his moving fancy, not enough 
Secure to my regard, as now I deem. 
Since longer I cannot endure to live 
With him, and not possess him all my own; 
Either must leave, or, better lot, secure 
The secret by whatever means, not caring 
Much what may happen, if success assure not 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 159 

His heart entire to me and faith secure 

Unalterably fixed, so much I feel 

The bond of nature draw me, soul to soul, 

That we must be one heart, one flesh, one mind; 

To be without him were to lack m3^self. 

Choeus. Consider, if his wrath awake, and thou 
Draw thy own ruin, persevering thus. 

Dalila. Yet that could not dissuade, nor daunt me 
aught, 
So fixed to gain my purpose sought I feel, 
So bent upon success, determined, steadfast, 
Fearing not death, nor aught than death more dread. 
So only I secure him to myself 
Entire, nor thus divided share his love. 
The purpose and fixed aim that now I seek. 

Chorus. Wise, who hath well conjoined 
His lot in nuptial choice, 
ISTot weakly drawn aside by beauty's snare, 
!N"or to frail passion yielding 

Wisdom's chief sway and sovereign place assigned; 
But who hath well determined, chosen well 
A virtuous choice in woman, that combines 
Domestic care with virtue, chiefest good 
In woman found, assuring 
Happy that house, his path to virtue smooth. 

If otherwise he choose, or other choice, 
Or comeliness of form, or beauty's shape, 
Pleasing to the eye and lovely. 
Of outside fair, 

But the inward show deformed, abhorred, and vile, 
To passion weakly yielding reason's sway. 
By wisdom unapproved, 
Him shall no pleasure find, once joined 
In nuptials hateful, to a hateful bride 
Past-linked and wedlock-bound, 
Adverse to virtue. 
Turbulent and loud. 



i6o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

His sliame and sharp reproach, an inward thorn 

Too late perceived, thus by her charms ensnared 

And drawn to folly. 

Or wrought to sense depraved. 

Or dotage, which in ruin surest ends. 

But her whom reason and desire conjoined 
Approves, with all perfections fair adorned 
And heavenly virtue armed. 
Modest and meek, demure. 
Yet so with goodness principled. 
That neither weak suggestion from within 
l^or from without temptation frail o'ercomes, 
Happy indeed pronounced, who thus hath found 
One virtuous that conjoins 
Domestic good, and highly favored held 
Of Heaven indeed, who thus secures; 
For she will do him evil not, but good. 
All the days of her life. 

But see ! for hither bent in haste, 
Though parted late as not with soon return, 
Manoah comes; 

As hoping here perchance to find his son. 
Or of his welfare bringing else some news. 

Manoah. My purpose, friends, is not to urge my 
son. 
As first, on presage only to beware 
The woman joined his wife, mere premonition 
Unwarranted by likelihood or proof. 
But to impart more valid argument. 
Reasons more sound adduce, if haply so 
I might prevail upon him to forego 
His purpose fixed, and danger to avoid, 
"While yet in time. But him I see not here. 

Chokus. But late he was, yet now is parted hence. 
Bound on a purpose dangerous and uncouth. 
Yet not 1:0 us displeasing or averse. 
For, after thy departure, something moved 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS i6l 

His mind, and purpose altered, held so fixed 
Before and different, that put him on 
Some desperate adventure to reprieve 
Our ills, and our entire deliverance work; 
Haply by this, on high emprise drawn forth 
Now from the snare, he hath escaped the toils 
Of that bad woman, who so clearly purposed 
His ruin, and to seeming near had wrought, 
Importune, curious, inquisitive 
To know the secret, where his vigor summed 
And mighty hidden strength, no reason known 
Why she should wish, except to work his harm, 
As oft before attempting; if thence foiled. 
Belike some overt act she may presume. 
Something too open try, that clear may warn him, 
Infatuate, blind, and captive to her will. 
This would be joy indeed, and valid cause 
For gratitude, our gratitude as his ; 
Since, thus entangled in her snare, he cannot 
Hearten him wholly to his task, but wastes 
In idle ease those mighty powers endued 
To our deliverance ; thence from this achieved 
Perhaps his gifted strength again to act, 
Not captive in the toils and hence withheld. 

Manoah. Thy hopes are not ungrateful, and thy; 
fears 
For what of harm might happen well accord 
In that I late received; for, as I passed 
Homeward in haste, with sterile task deject, 
I marked where lay in hidden close recess 
Some of our foes, not singly, as disjoined 
In purpose, but combined upon some task 
Whose object and intent not clearly gained. 
Yet could be what than aught upon my son. 
Their hated foe, on whom not yet revenged 
The injuries inflicted at his hand? 
That sight it is hath moved me to return, 



i62 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Although my first attempt not kindly warn. 
But argue like event, if I persist 
A second time, after refusal offered. 
And make attempt, at least, to put him on 
The lurking danger, though, from your report, 
N"ot to be dreaded now, since his departure. 
If so accomplished, hath removed him safe 
From what might undermine him and destroy; 
If so indeed departed, and not lingered 
On some pretext or other by that woman. 
Who never hath left off to seek his harm; 
I fear, unwilling, still some dread event. 

Servant. friends, that here now stand, attend my 
news. 
The Caphtorim, but late in ambush laid, 
Within the house now hide, to what intent 
Unknown, though not unguessed, foreboding ill 
To Samson feared; whose place, alike unknown. 
But more distrust excites of what may chance 
From them, if he unwares return within, 
Or, he not parted, what yet worse ensues 
To him unwarned; for such my fears infer 
Of them his ruin seeking still to wreak. 

Choeus. Thy fears I also share ; and well could wisK 
He were departed quite, ere unaware 
Caught in assassination's wily net, 
Since they no less on him, should chance occur, 
Would venture, as their oft attempt assures. 
For what thou hast related brings to mind. 
When late his wife stood present, how she sought 
To gain his careful secret, and on us 
Presumed her wiles, if haply she might gain. 
But we refused her, fearing what might fall 
From bad compliance. If he have not gained 
The danger where he stands, nor parted yet, 
It would be, on our part, received but friendly 
To warn, if so perchance he win escape. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 163 

And time not much permits, if warned in time 
Intending, since so long he parted hence 
Permits attempt. What cry was that within? 

Manoah. Perhaps his foemen shouting to behold 
Their mighty dread, unbound and armed upon them. 
Whom they had thought to seize, yet now, arrived 
Among his enemies, dealing dreadful dole 
And over slaughterous heaps walking his way. 
Again ! again ! more loud ! What should it be ? 

Chorus. That shout was not of fear, but rather 

triumph, 
"Not of one voice, but many. What it bodes 
I dread to think. 

Manoah. Euin is in that noise. 
And dread destruction — whose, the time yet gives not. 
Some danger, sure, impends. How should we do? 
Best keep together here, or go and seek? 

Chorus. I know not how to counsel, thus with fears 
Assailed, that reason null. 'Rot long remains 
Our doubt, since hither speeding to our wish 
One by his mien and act hath left but late 
The scene of horror ; whom I may not wish 
To hear, nor yet refuse the tidings brought. 
Though dreading much to learn complete relation. 
An Ebrew, of our tribe, if I may guess. 
Which some assures to us no present danger. 

Messenger. horrible to see, the sight I saw, 
That drove me, filled with terror and with dread 
Of like destruction, from that horrid place 
And sight more horrid still, which yet I see, 
By fancy or imagination fixed 
Still on my mind confused, though loathing much; 
Yet not thus, but that reason, scarce consulted. 
Or chance, or instinct, though divined not how. 
Hath brought me to this place, where now I find, 
Manoah, thee, and ye, my countrymen. 
Too much, alas, in the like woe concerned. 



i64 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Manoah. Thy news would much relieve us to par- 
take. 
Since apprehension shows more dark than knowledge. 
Set forth, then, what thou hast, while we attend. 
Messengek. Ah, friends, if truly said what late I 
saw, 
I fear lest evil tidings pierce too deep. 

Manoah. Suspense in news more tortures than re- 
lation ; 
Delay no more thy tidings ; speak them out. 

Messeistgek. Then take the worst — what to my^ 
horror gained. 
And better wished unknown, so dire the tale, 
Told only that your knowledge may suffice. 
Due service had compelled my here attendance 
"Within this house, where long time I endured 
To see what chanced, and suffered much to see ; 
But duty to my master held me faithful, 
Though marvelled much his patience thus could bear 
And hold out firm against the constant siege 
That sore assaulted. For, as well ye know, 
His wife hath rested not by day or night 
To vex him, harass, press him, urge him hard 
To yield to her the secret he so keeps 
Wherein his safety placed and strength contained. 
But he hath still withstood her, still put off, 
(Would that he had till now — fond wish, alas !)' 
Still borne her irksome importunity. 
The wonder still of all, so much endured. 
But this day she hath urged him hard, and pressed hiiri 
To weariness, with blandishments and cries 
Hath stormed him sore, till he at length out-worn. 
Weary and over-watched, out-harassed, vexed, 
Yielding at last to words and woman's tears, 
Opened her all his heart and gave her will ; 
That he, whom not their whole united force. 
In camp, or listed field, or ambuscade. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 165 

Could vanquish and overcome, hath weakly now 

Given up his key of silence to a woman; 

Who well hath recompensed, hath well returned. 

The trust in her reposed. For when she knew 

His secret sure revealed, and now perceived. 

Accordant to her wish, that he was laid, 

Weary and over-watched, out-worn and toiled, 

Asleep secure of harm, she hastened then, 

Forgetful of her solemn faith engaged, 

And shore those mighty locks wherein contained 

The surety of his strength ; then called his foes, 

And to them gave him up, a welcome prey. 

Shorn of his mighty strength, afflicted, fallen, 

Disprized, dishonored, shamed, discovered thus 

JSTaked, disarmed among his enemies. 

Yet, when he heard her cries, and saw his foes. 

He wist not of his might departed him, 

But as before assayed, and rising stood 

Like a wild beast, when hounds and huntsmen rouse, 

And galling darts; then, as the foremost came, 

Unwary, caught and raised him high in air 

And cast him down to death; like measure found 

The second, coming; but at length, o'er-borne 

By numbers, that each moment thicker grew. 

Surrounded by his foes mistrustful still 

And fearful of his strength, departing now, 

Though still endeavoring, struggling to make head. 

But now with less and still less hostile force. 

They seized upon him — ^head, or limbs, or arms, 

What part where each could chance, binding him fast; 

Then put out both his eyes, and fettered held him, 

That he no more should use that mighty strength, 

Thus captive, poor, and blind, of sight bereft. 

Their danger once and dread, to work their harm. 

What further hath befallen him I have gained not; 

But that I have related true, behold him 

Where yonder now he stands, and his dire state, 



i66 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Shaven and despoiled before his enemies. 

IMaxoah. sight detested ! sight of grief and shame f 
Thy nation's glory late and nation's boast, 
Now snared, assaiilted, captive, and betrayed. 
Of all thy wonted vigor thus deprived, 
Xaked and shamed among thy enemies ! 
How wilt thon now thy nation serve, or work 
That glorions mission trusted from above? 
How rather curse that fatal weakness, curse 
Thy yielding, that hath left thee, sight bereft. 
Ridiculous, shamed, broken, miserable ! 
But peace ! for without added burden joined 
Heavy enough imposed, and deep the smart, 
!N'or needs from me, whose office better found 
To lighten of thy load, and ease thy pains. 

Choeus. miserable hope ! is this the man, 
The mighty Samson, wide renowned 
The fear of Caphtor's sons. 
Famous and blazed his nation's boast and glory, 
"Whose matchless fortitude 
And wondrous might bestowed 

'Ko banded strength opposed of man, or fiercest bea^t, 
Could chasten or subdue? 
Yet now, incapable and vain. 
Bereft, captived, betrayed. 
The gaze and scorn of those inhuman foes 
"VThose might he was ordained to quell, 
Thus miserable, broken, snared, and blind ! 

SAMS0J5". Alas, from what high hopes and lofty 
thoughts 
Conceived unlooked for fallen ? "Was it for this 
The angel twice descended 
AYith solemn word declared 
And sacred task bestowed. 
To work my land's deliverance foretold. 
And thus divinely set 
As by attest of Heaven? 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS i6;r 

Yet now assaulted, captive, poor, and blind, 
Made of mine enemies the mock and gaze, 
A shame and deep reproach 
To all my friends and kindred. 
My eyes put out, and, that high strength bereaved 
Foretold to our deliverance, 
Reserved to be repeated 
Their cruelty and scorn. 
Deserted thus by him who had ordained 
My strength and wondrous force ! 

What then availed that favor high pronounced 
Of wondrous strength and matchless force endued, 
If, when he gave me these, 
God wisdom left disjoined. 
Or ill-proportioned gave, not balanced just 
To immeasureable might? 
But left on me that burdened work imposed. 
The source of all my evils, pains, and wrongs. 
Who life would glad forego, too heavy weight 
Under such task assigned, and gladlier death 
Invoke, as my chief good and final end. 
AVherefore let God now also take my life. 
Sight vilely thus bereft. 
The worst indignity that could befall. 
And most to me, his minister ordained. 
Yet without hope remaining. 

Choeus. Just are the ways of God, 
And justly ordained 

His purposes, though darkened oft by doubt 
What Heavenly disposition may allot 
And right decree ordain; 
So oft with men appearing 
Partial his judgements high, condemned perverse. 
To the erring indulgent. 
Afflictive to the just. 

Yet in the end approved, when clearly seen 
The aim of justice triumphant, 



i68 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

But to the afflicted, bowed beneath the stroke 
Of piiiiishmeiit, no consolation seems. 
Or solace to his pains. 
Though justly found afflicted, 
Nor slackly penance urged. 
Of hope bereaved, of mercy. 
To despair given over, 
"With fainting spirits depressed. 

Yet so, perhaps, God's counsel high fulfilled 
And purpose best ordained. 
Allotted justly so his punishment, 
Whose fierce avenging stroke, though long delayed, 
Yet fallen at length, approves his justice sure, 
iN'or to his enemies occasion leaves 
To murmur, or to chide him, or upbraid. 
Since on his chosen, as on them, assigned. 
If they be erring found. 
Like punishment allotted. 
And both alike brought to like evil end. 

Which on thee, Samson, now at length is come. 
In over-weening thought 
And haughty pride secure 
Unmindful thus of harm that might befall ; 
Either too insecure with thought sufficient 
Of strength on thee bestowed. 
Or else too far presuming 
The sufferance high of God, 
Which, too far tried, hath cast thee, 
Blind, naked, miserable, 
Off to those cruel enemies provoked 
By his appointment. 
But through thy weak offence 

Suffered at last to work thy ruin 

Bitter mischance and hard, yet not unearned. 

But yonder, since those eyes no more perceive, 
Deprived their visual ray. 
The occasion of thy woes; and now toward us 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 169 

Holding her steps, thy wife, Dalila, comes. 

Samson". My wife ? my viper and accursed hate ! 

Dalila. Be not offended, Samson, if I come 
With hopes of thy relief, though sorrowing much 
At this thy lot untoward and captive state 
Undone, blind, poor, and lonely, yet still mindful 
To give what aid remains to thy offence, 
This loss of sight, which ne'er I would have wrought, 
Had I foreseen the sad event derived; 
But now too late perceived prevents to spare 
What thou hast dearly lost, my grief as thine ; 
Yet not refused thy pardon, that my service. 
Which gladly shall attend thy life, may make 
Some small amends for what I have misdone, 
!N"ot so intending, since I other deemed 
The end. Thy hurtful loss my purpose holds 
In part to null at least, if not entire, 
By loving tendance visited upon thee. 
The service of my life, and willing offered, 
If by such aid some slight redress obtained 
For thee, my consolation sole and hope. 

Samson". Let her approach and touch my hand for 
pardon. 
Would I had caught thee, as I had designed 
And purposed, but this loss of eyes prevented. 
And these slow chains unused that thus retard ! 
I would have torn thee lingering joint by joint, 
That thou no more shouldst flatter and deceive. 
Or work my further ruin, now enough 
Through thy false practise ruined — fittest end 
Of thee and of thy fraud, that hath accomplished 
The ruin of my mission and my hopes, 
Caused my offence to God, and weakly left me, 
At times when men wont most in vigor found, 
Slight, miserable, disarmed, betrayed, captived, 
Of all my wonted strength bereft, sight lost, 
Dishonored, poor, and blind, disprized, despoiled, 



170 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Naked and shamed among my enemies. 

Reason enough, if I refuse to love thee. 

But rather leave, nor more avow my wife. 

As I had long, but some blind chance withheld me 

Against example warned and those who sought 

My good, but I refused; whence now I marvel 

Or greater what weak folly hath betrayed me 

And wrecked my hopes, or this unwifely hate 

Of thine, that wrought with greed of gold surrendered 

Basely my secret given wherein contained 

My hopes and mission — ^hopes, alas, how vain. 

And mission how defeated, since by me 

As basely and as impiously delivered 

Up to a faithless woman (0 what weakness!) 

The secret of my safety and my life ! 

Dalila. Since thou hast so determined, I shall not 
Again assay thy wrath which wrought so near 
My fierce destruction, but I, warier found 
Than thou^ or better seeing, since to me 
The clearer sight, escaped the danger feared, 
•Knowing thee, as I do, and thy blind anger ; 
But rest me satisfied with what performed, 
That shall, doubt not, assure my future safe. 
Thus grateful to my nation and our lords. 
Whom I o'er thee have chosen, nor repent 
The choice, my country's faith preferred to thine. 
But now, if I mistake not, thou must go 
To Gaza, in our prison-house to grind 
With slaves and asses, thy adjudged compeers, 
For so thy wisdom hath approved, incautious. 
Infatuate, rash, impetuous, blind, where thou 
Shalt other mission find and other task, 
More suited to thy state, to exercise 
That vaunted strength, than to destroy our land 
With ravage ; whence may be my greatest boast 
Singly to have o'ercome that fierce destroyer. 
And in an hour, whom not my nation banded 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 171 

In years entire could vanquish and o'ercome. 
And though thy favor I have lost, and love. 
Yet I have gained, what I much more esteem, 
The favor of my kindred and my nation 
To recompence my zeal for duty shown. 
Whether this like thee then, or like thee not, 
I to my lot will cleave, and thou to thine. 

Chorus. Have comfort, Samson ; yet thy friends thou 
hast, 
And kindred yet remain, who may perhaps 
Work out thy ransom and redeem thee quite 
Forth from their loathsome prison-house confined, 
Though there intended now to woe and pain; 
Or else thy might, returning with thy hair, 
Garrisoning thy shoulders yet again. 
May of thyself enahle thy deliverance, 
!N'or frustrate thus thy lofty mission found; 
Which would be joy indeed and well revenge. 

Samson. Yet otherwise to me my lot portends ; 
God's favor thus withdrawn and eyesight lost. 
This light of life continues not for long. 
Since the other light bereft, nor do I wish. 
Rather implore for death, which my own hands 
Would visit on myself, were they but free. 
Their kindly office deemed and welcome service, 
Hastening thus the cure of all my pains. 

Manoah. Deject not thus thyself, nor, over-strict, 
Thus from thyself exact the penal forfeit; 
For God may yet, if by sincere repentance 
Appeased, quit thee his claim and quite relent; 
From whom consider that thou hadst this strength, 
Which, though now lost, may yet again return 
With eyesight, if he will who all things can. 
And since thy Heaven-set mission unperformed, 
He may renew thy might, and cause again 
The light within thy eyes — else why thus spared 
Thy life, which he as well had thee deprived, 



172 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Had not his purpose more prevailed, and held 
In some great other service yet to use thee? 
Cast then not thus away thy hope entire, 
ISTor God reject, who may again receive thee, 
By true repentance and sincere assaying 
Restored to favor bv his sufferance thus. 
That thou ma/st serve him wiselier than thou hast. 
Thy life continues in thee not for naught, 
Nor shall thy mission high be frustrate so. 

Samson. Thy words are not unkindly, and accord 
With that high sufferance which hath long endured 
My weak presumptuous sin, that hath delayed 
The task on me imposed, and last defeated; 
But me they little ease afford, and hope. 
Since not myself alone perhaps must bear 
The heavy burden of my fault, but others 
Also perhaps in the like ruin joined. 
What if with me in chains a father dragged, 
And countr^Tnen, companions to my fall, 
Innocent of my sin, yet drawn to waste 
Their years entire, confined to woe and pain? 
This would be woe indeed, and worse afflict 
Than what already felt, or might befall, 
And well would merit fiercest curses heaped 
Upon my head, as cause of all their harm; 
Just reason, if their hate against me hold. 
Then wherefore should I wish for life, or why 
Desire that sight, which saw not when with eyes ? 

Officer. Be of more courage, Samson, nor deject 
O'er-much thyself; since here our purpose holds 
Upon thee only, and, thou but secured, 
To other means no violence or harm. 
Therefore that fear dismiss, nor so dishearten, 
Enough disheartened, if thyself regarded, 
ISTor to so great a burden add the more 
Of fault on these performed, thy present mind. 

Samson. Thy words with hope relieve me, and their 
thoughts 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 173 

I as a grateful prophecy account; 

Nor more shall dread my life, nor so be bent 

To lay it down, too burdensome to bear. 

Which would be to defeat in me God's will, 

And double thus my sin, already found 

Too great, thus weakly and thus impiously 

If I presume my life, after betraying 

Secrets by God imparted, act profane, 

Not savoring thus of piety to God, 

But rancor and impatience to his rule. 

But now, thus cheered in hopes and elevate, 

The willinger I go, nor all repine. 

Arming my breast with patience to endure 

Whatever ills, and comforted with thought 

Not all defeated yet that mission high 

On me imposed, which to have so put off 

Was my chief sin ; for whose accomplishment. 

If I repent sincere, and shall forsake 

My weak offending, God will yet vouchsafe 

To vindicate his name and me uphold 

With favor and assistance to the end. 

My sole sustaining hope and solace found. 

But now farewell; for I begin to feel 

Some rousing motions round me that forewarn 

Departure, which by me shall not delay. 

But hasten rather, heartened thus and cheered 

With what of hope allows, or what is else 

Not to be overborne, more bent to do 

My task assigned, and strong in fortitude 

By Heavenly consolation thus imparted 

To bear, ii strive, to feel, nor be o'ercome. 

Choeus. All is dark, and filled with doubt 
Of what unsearchably disposed 
And all inscrutably ordained; 
Yet in the close not contradicting 
Heaven's purpose high decreed, chief hope 
To us remaining, and the end 
With vindication full and fair event. 



174 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 



DINAH. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

DiXAH, daughter to Jacob, after her ravishment by 
Shechem, son of Hamor, prince of Shalem, comes forth 
at morning. She is discovered by some maiden attend- 
ants, making the chorus, who endeavor to hearten her 
what they can. Next enters her mother, Leah, who seeks 
Dinah's consent for the latter^s marriage to Shechem; 
which Dinah refuses at first, but later is prevailed upon 
to permit. Dinah is next visited by her brothers, to 
whom she makes recourse for aid. They promise to 
endeavor revenge of her quarrel. Her father, Jacob, 
then enters with Shechem, who tries to persuade her to 
the marriage. She refuses at first, mindful of her 
brothers' injunction of feigned unwillingness ; but, after 
some discourse, consents, and departs toward the city 
with Shechem. After her departure, Jacob bewails his 
misfortune; whom the chorus seek to comfort, telling 
him of his sons' promised endeavor to requite the injury. 
He, in anger at their disobedience, thinks to depart and 
warn the Shechemites of their peril ; but is prevented by 
the appearance of a servant, who relates what hath 
happened in the city, namely, the slaughter of the men 
of Shalem by Simeon and Levi. These now appear ; are 
reproached by their father for their f aith -breach ; but 
excuse themselves under pretext of their sister's wrong; 
wherewith the drama concludes. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 175 

THE PERSONS. 

DINAH. 

Jacob, her father. 
Leah, her mother. 
Simeon, son to Jacob. 
Levi, son to Jacob. 
Shechem. 
Servant. - 

Chorus of maiden attendants, 

TKe Scene, near the tents of Jacob, before Shalem. 

Dinah. swarming thoughts, that wakened rush 
upon me, 
Tormenting, as with stings of hornets armed! 
Which bring to mind what happy state I lost, 
Of purity, of maiden innocence 
Bereft, deflowered, and all my virgin awe 
Rent from me, that uncovers thus my shame ; 
And I bereaved, all disadvantaged found, 
Alas, what was my all, yet him that seized 
Enriched not more, but poorer left with blame 
Of maiden innocence and honor wronged ! 
wherefore did my parents bring me forth 
And thence with care uprear me — to such end 
Abominable, hateful, fraught with shame 
Unquenchable, that burns me as with flame. 
When in that dark and lecherous place I found 
Alas, what hath no name, which yet I feel, 
Sleeping or waking, thus with ruin harmed ? 
\fhy did I walk that day thus forth alone,^ 
And thence that evil draw, my dearest grief, 
Which brought on me what sorrow I possess, 



176 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

What hatred, what contempt, what utter shame 
Of mine own self, when I — scarce three days past- 
Went forth to see the daughters of this land, 
And in their city, where I canght my hurt, 
Lost all my maiden virtue, all my peace, 
Leaving me blank of honor, blani of good. 
My harsh undoing, which I know not well 
Shall end me, or shall spare ? shameful blot 
Of virgin purity and virtue wronged ! 
Indignity the vilest that might fall, 
Without all hope of change, to curse this life- 



Both what now is and that which is to come ! 

Since now I bear such miseries as well 

Could task my life to weep. 0, worse than death, 

Torment, or hunger, or aught other ill 

That human life contains ! While he, who thus 

Hath wrecked me, smiles away my maiden blame, 

Boasting his cunning and accursed guile 

That vilely forced the casket of my honor 

And set my virgin treasures forth to scorn. 

Whence death I now invoke — yet why? to me. 

Thus quick or dead, incorporate found with shame, 

ISTo glad release, though wont the captive freed 

By death, his surest friend and dearest aid, 

Erom sorrows all discharged, from fear, from woe. 

But me no wished reprieve shall find. 

Thus captive to the worst of wrongs. 

That night is friendlier found than day, 

"Which wakes me to the sense of bitter woe 

With stinging thoughts, that goad along my mind ; 

Though night may medicine not thus my grief. 

That I all pains forego — since even in dreams 

I see the ravisher approaching on 

To seize me, and once more my flesh pollute 

With loathly foul embrace and touch of shame. 

The day to me is dark 

And silent as the gloom 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS \T7, 

When light forsakes the sky, 

Hid in her nightly cave ! 

Such miseries threaten dire, 

Thronging upon me, numberless, confused. 

With horror, blanking out the hopeful light. 

As in the press and thrust of the night-storm 

AYlien atom snow falls through the atom dark. 

But let me not forget what brings me forth. 

Escaped their watch whose vigilance I shun, 

That purpose to seek out some violent end 

And desperate death; which my own hand shall wreak, 

Avenging me this worst of pains and wrongs. 

Wliicli than I had received, better had I 

Never beheld the bright face of the sun. 

But never been, unknowing life and light 

As an abortive birth untimely dead 

Or ere I saw the day ! 

Then would I not be banished thus to shame, 

As to the land of death, although in life, 

The land of darkness and the shades of death, 

A life of living death, yet not exempt 

From burial in life. 

Entombed in living shame. 

But stay ; for now I hear the tread of feet 

Hasting this way their steps — and thence perhaps 

Of my pursuers, me now come to find 

And stare upon my wrongs, to spite me more. 

\^Tiose presence feared I shun, and hide me thus. 

That I may thence conceal me from their shame. 

Chorus. Where, where is she ? mindful the while ! 
Lest now, through uncouth haste. 
Harshly we break in upon her, 
Disordering more her thoughts, in saddest plight 
Thus changed, beyond belief and all report 
Languished, apart withdrawn. 
Abandoned all by hope, 
In sordid habit of sad thoughts, only perchance 



178 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Not all outworn from life. 

Or was it she whom thus we marked, 
Our flower of beauty once and fairest pride ? 
Yet now by ruin deflowered, 
Of all thy virtue reft, thy good, thy peace, 
Humbled to act impure by lustful play. 
That hath offended thy fair maiden awe 
And rent thv virs^in veil, 
Though late in stainless purity thou stood'st. 
With choicest care upreared, and nurture sweet 
Bestowed, as a fair flower 
Select in choice and sacred. 

Was it for this thy mother brought thee forth. 
And cherished from the womb. 
Till in her careful eye 

Thou stood'st her nursling sweet and choice delight, 
"WTiom she had thoughts one day to see espoused, 
And strow the bridal bed for thee, a bride 
Yielded with sweet submission, coy delight, 
To him, thy flrst of men ? 
Yet thee a bed unhoped thy mother dews 
With tears and misty sighs 
Dropped from her cloudy years. 

How may I well bewail 
The hard mischance thou bearest. 
Misery of miseries, the top and crown 
Of human ills, which thee hath brought to woe, 
A prisoner now to shame, in bonds to grief, 
Such ruined life thou hast, abhorred and scorned, 
For thee I reckon abject in estate, 
With sorrows undeserved 
And vile contempt befallen, 
Under all insult whelmed. 
That grief herself might grieve. 
Though late in honor high thou stood'st. 
Universally known with fairest graces. 

Dinah. Ay me ! 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 179 

Chorus. But stay! for now I hear 
Her sorrowed plaint whom thus we seek ; 
And yonder from her place 
Discern her coming whom befits to cheer 
With healing sympathy, if lightened aught 
Her burdenous load of suffering and shame. 

Dinah. I heard the sound of gentle words, which me 
Drew forth ; though what their import yet uncaught. 

Chorus. Let us approach and speak her fair for 
solace. 
If aught in consolation we may bring 
Of comfort, or in word or action given, 
Behold us come ; since we indeed for thee 
Know sorrow at thy irksome touch of shame. 

Dinah. friends, I wished you not — come forth in 
haste 
If I perchance might find some ready death 
To medicine my sorrows with sweet balm. 

Chorus. Despair not; nor such desperate thoughts 
admit. 
As meaning thus perhaps to heal thy pains, 
But better learn to bear thy loaded sorrow, 
Lest more by death be drawn, when in the grave 
Shame should still cling thee, and thou miss thy aim 
To scape the load thou bearest now of grief. 
For not thy present sorrow deem the heaviest 
That might bechance thee ; since, if desperate grown 
Through grief, thou take thy life, thou shalt not scape 
Sharp scorn of weakness for thy facile death. 
And here consider what thou rightly doest ; 
For, if thy sorrow thou shalt well endure, 
Thou may'st o'erlive thy shame, and draw renown 
For mind superior to thy sufferings borne; 
But, if thou weakly yield to grief, and quit 
To struggle with thy shame, thou reapest thence 
Far worse contempt, shame, and dishonor borne. 

Dinah. Such reasons fair approve ; but how should. I 



i8o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Find solace thence for such extremest pains ? 
How should I once endure to lift my head, 
Or gaze with forehead unabashed my friends, 
After the ship wrack of my honor wrought? 
How should not all who know point me with scorn 
As ruined ? or my parents not with shame 
Bemoan my state ? Unwedded, yet no maid, 
N'ot virgin, yet no wife — while I should live 
Hapless and scorned — a living death to think ! 
I in earth's universal lap would lie. 
As in my mother's so to lay me down. 
The cure of all my sorrows and the balm. 

Choeus. An evil load thou hast, I bear thee witness. 
But now relate what direful chance possessed thee 
And drew thy hurt ; which to unburden well. 
Impart to us thy anguish — as perchance 
To thy relief ; since griefs, once past, are sweet. 

DiN"AH. He saw me fair ; and, moved thereby to lust, 
Sought me ; and, when alone he found me, forced. 

Chorus. heavy load thou hast, the extreme grief ! 
More than we ought we know of thy sad plight, 
Such hard condition. Yet, since thus is told 
Thy sad relation, now in full set forth. 
Recital given with detail and distinct; 
That we may share with thee what grief thou bearest, 
If haply lightened aught thy loaded pain ; 
Since cure oft found in burdened woes cast forth. 

Dinah. The greater woe I feel than first I felt. 
What have ye asked ? are ye become my foes, 
Who thus add grief to grief and woe to woe 
For one already bowed beneath such weight. 
By mention of my evils made thus fond ? 
For of our sorrows think the top and crown 
Is their remembrance. Though ye well intend 
Toward me, perhaps misguided in your minds, 
That I relax what purpose I have held 
Of silence and close thoughts — so wrought I feel 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS i8i 

By sympathy and tender love expressed. 

That hour I well remember when, from home 

Parting, I journeyed, innocent, alone, 

Nourished with pleasant thoughts, as forth I walked 

Toward the near city, where my comrades dwelt. 

To visit thence the daughters of the land. 

As thus I passed, and plucked what forward flowers 

The season showed, filling my lap with sweet, 

"Wearied at length, sharp thirst upon me seized. 

That me constrained to seek some pleasant draught 

From mossy fountain or cool shady spring. 

While thus with inexperienced quest I strayed, 

And knew not whither, on a pettish rill 

I chanced, that tinkled through the pleasant green; 

Which following on, it led me to a cave. 

Wherein it spread into a gleaming plain, 

That in its glassy mirror held the sky. 

Then on its brink I knelt, as much in haste. 

And all the gathered flowers from my lap 

Let fall, as to the mossy brim I leaned. 

There as I bent to look, and stooped to drink, 

Another face within that gleam appeared. 

Smiling to mine. As back I started straight. 

Dismayed and sad, about me round were thrown 

Arms of such gripe that I in vain might strive 

To loose their coil. There while perplexed I lay. 

Uncertain what, a calming voice I heard 

That mildly spake. And, fair flower, it said. 

Deigns none to crop thy bloom and smell thy sweet ? 

But me no amorous reproach shall seize 

Of slack neglect — so smitten with the dart 

Of powerful beauty. Thence he bent his head. 

As to impress my cheek, with grasp relaxed. 

That forth I sprang, and sought escape in flight. 

But me he overtook, found swifter far; 

And in embraces amorous and strong 

He bore me to a mossy bed nearby 



i82 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Of roses, iris blue, and violets pied. 
What after chanced I cannot well relate. 
As from a dream I waked, and found me laid 
On that soft bed, by that still pool reclined ; 
But 0, how glad, could I have never waked, 
Or could have waked and found it but a dream ! 
Thence, rising, through the fields I took my steps, 
And sorrowed to my father's house returned. 
Thus did I lose my honor, all my shame ; 
But 0, where may T lose what there I gained. 
This burning torture, that torments me, thus 
With fierce oppression seized, deflowered and fallen? 

Choeus. Have comfort; yet secure thy friends thou 
hast. 
Who blame thee not, but sorrow for thy state, 
Abject, insulted, wronged, dishonored, vile. 
Which thence may not be cured, nor lightened aught, 
If thou bereave thy life — only more shame 
Visited on thy name, extreme contempt. 
Thy shame thou drew'st not on thee ; none will blame 
Thy hard condition as self-caused. Bethink thee, 
That to thy purity no stain attaches; 
Thou didst not to defilement foul consent, 
N'or taste, self-moved, that sin. Thou canst but worsen 
Thy honor's sad offence, not better aught. 
By violent remove to scape from life. 
Death ends not all. Though thou to sense wert dead, 
Yet shame or fame of thee should live — and which 
Falls now within the compass of thy choice. 
But after death too late shalt thou repent 
The choice thou hast, if thence unwisely made, 
Untimely, ere with wisdom shall consort 
Thy better mind. Bethink thee here thy state. 

I)iN"AH. Your words approve not wise — ^have naught 
of cure 
To stanch my wound which hath infixed so deep, 
That only opiate death may medicine 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 183 

My honor's seated sickness and sore harm. 
All else is now past cure. Only remains 
That death, by me oft-invocated, come, 
Hastening the healing balm of all my pains. 

Choeus. Thou shalt not, while we present stand, 
escape 
Thus from thy life, and worse distress thy wound, 
Still more defile thy name ; which not by us 
May be endured — or else the worst endured 
By us, thy friends and kindred here, who yet 
Shall save thee to thyself against thy will. 

Dinah. Yet thence I persevere, nor aught give o'er. 

Choeus. Have care; lest here thy ruin worse 
bechance. 

Dinah. It cannot, with more sorrow on me drawn. 

Choeus. I fear what worse dishonor thence ensue. 

Dinah. Your purpose fair intends; but, thus 
distraught, 
I cannot well bethink — so fierce my grief. 
That thence the readiest way I seize to scape 
Out of my pains — too faint and spent my mind, 
That I should well consider what is best. 
Best for all time, since now to me approves 
The quickest cure as best — which death now holds. 

Choeus. A better mind thou hast — show'st more the 
smack 
Of wisdom in thy words, more with the salt 
Of wise discretion savoring. For what grief 
Thou on thy parents draw'st, if through despair 
Thou take thy life, and quite bereave their hope 
Of thee, their dearest solace yet esteemed ! 
Be of more courage, then, nor thus deject 
Thy mind to thoughts of death, but think on life. 
Wherein thou mayest yet their sorrow cheer 
By faithful love and care on them maintained, ' 
Blunting in service the sharp thorn of grief, 
That what thou hast now lost thou least shalt miss. 



i84 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Dinah. that hope of respite I could find 
From the spirit^s harms and pangs, 
Which rankling fester more 
And worse infect with pains than body's wounds, 
Ulcerating with inflammation dire 
Of maladies unnumbered 
Wliich maim the apprehensive secret parts, 
Torturing the corporal sense ! 

For the mind's wounds distress me 
Distract with rankling pains, 
ISTo less than corporal pangs, 
Which yield to healing liquors that assuage 
The pains of bodily sense. 

But for the spirit's ill no cure, no virtuous balm, 
'Not opiate syrup drugged with sense of death, 
^or oil of precious touch, to heal 
This lingering ill of woe 
That visits thus my mind. 
Whence now I beg for death's benumbing balm, 
With preying grief's disease quite spent and sunk, 
Oppressed with grief in surfeit. 

Yet hapless all I mourn, deject with grief. 
Struck from the list of hope ; 
Hopeless my evils, found remediless 
Beyond all earthly cure. 
Since I no respite thence may gain 
From these my vexing ills 
Shown to the shame of day, 
'Not from the night concealed. 
Whence kindly death once more I now invoke 
To hide me in the grave. 
Where I might lie in sweet forgetfulness, 
Of all my woes the balm. 

Chorus. Thy griefs distressful bring to mind 
How, stirred with wrath and zeal of jealousy, 
By Abraham's slack effeminacy drawn, 
Sarai had dealt with Hagar, when she strove 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 185 

Against her ; and the inhospitable tent 

Exposed her helpless, to avoid worse fate. 

Yet she from threatening woes deliverance won, 

Or God delivered ; which like happy chance 

For thee perhaps ordained, 

Thns tested, and through suffering grace endued, 

With release from dire afflictions. 

But who is this — since now, so wrought with grief, 
I scarce have wonted sight — approaching slow 
With leaden feet, and garments disarrayed. 
The signs of woe. Yet now, more near discerned. 
Thy mother seems; if I in aught may guess. 
Perhaps thus come with thee to hold 
Wished converse, as with tidings new arrived. 
Since in her face I see not utter woe. 
But some reflex and glimmering of faint hope 
To thy behoof; prepare 
With her what converse thou holdest. 

DiN'AH. Ay, in what other plight must I now stand. 
Abused, maltreated, cast a prey to scorn ! 

Leah. Friends, for I see you such, though opiate 
sorrow 
Hath wellnigh drugged my sense, that scarce I know 
Sleeping or waking, say if here be found 
Whom thus distraught myself distraught now seek; 
Or if ye aught from sight or word have gained 
Of her, that hapless maiden, my lost daughter ; 
Who now perhaps betakes her to the shroud 
Of thickest trees to hide her fearful sight 
From peering day, or on some bolstering trunk 
Pillows her head, fraught with o'erburdened fears. 

Choeus. Not further seek ; for here, though such her 
change 
Belief forbids, behold thy daughter sought. 

Leah. wretched sight accurst ! Is this my hope 
Once cherished, this my flower of youth, and pride. 
My nursling, my delight ? — ^yet now, alas, 



i86 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Deflowered all beanty by a ruthless hand 

That stole her maiden sweet and rifled all 

Her virgin store ! 0^ wherefore did I beg 

For children, and a daughter wished receive. 

More dear to me, late come, desired the more 

That I might solace of her sex obtain ? 

For fathers in a son take first delight, 

But every mother for a daughter asks, 

Her solace and delight, whom she may rear, 

Her tendance fond, till, bred at length to years 

And wedded, she may hearten her in pain 

Of children, and renew her former love 

For offspring in her daughter's place obtained. 

But 0, what hopes I have, what thoughts are mine, 

Afflicting, when I mourn thy hapless state 

Defaced, deflowered, and ruined ! Wlio will ask 

Thy hand in marriage ? who will wish thee joined 

His wife, abhorred by all and deeply scorned? 

But peace ; what have I said ? my grief -wrought words 

Too far have run. For now befits not best 

Wailing, or weak dejection, as but late 

Disburdened ; and this now so sudden sight 

Of all thy miseries anew inflicted 

Drew my fresh tears. And these good news I bring 

To heal thy griefs. For thou this day art sought 

For marriage, and by him who most is fit, 

Who shall atone to thee for all thy wrongs. 

Dinah. Think not of nie such care ; since I indeed 
Have now no hopes to live, but only pray 
For death, my chief est cure and happiest balm. 
Death, my best bridegroom and my husband best, 
Shall wed me soon. Then in some lonely grave 
Shall I forgotten lie and quiet sleep. 
As in my mother's lap — a joy to think. 

Leah. Deject not, daughter, but have better hopes 
Of life and pleasure yet to come. Nor mourn 
As thus; for thou shalt yet live down thy shame 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 187 

And lift thy head ; since thee no common man 
Seeks now with hopes to wed, but one whom kings 
Might favor to receive, a prince's son, 
Honor to thee unthought. Hence now no more 
Deject thy mind, but livelier hopes obtain 
Of wedlock dalliance and nuptial joys. 
Thy solace for the sorrows thou hast borne. 
Dinah. Who thus would wed me? who so far fore- 
gone 
And dead to his own shame, as to invoke 
His worst undoing by ill spousals joined 
With me, his constant torment and reproach, 
Universal contempt and grief obtaining? 
Foolhardy ! who might thus no joy obtain 
In wedlock dalliance, on whose offspring lights 
Contamination and base shame. Thence not 
By me permitted that on others placed 
My burden, yet divided not, nor shared. 
For woe, though halved when shared and still the more 
Communicated — ^yet ill shame as mine 
Disburdens not by lightening, but grows more 
With sharing — and on her at first who bears 
Presses most heavily when divided most. 
'No mention then be made of wedlock here 
And nuptial dalliance, deemed however sweet 
By me, who should inflict the greatest wrong. 
The heaviest, that a husband e'er should bear. 

Leah. Daughter, determine not, till thou know'st all. 
For he, who seeks thee, is for thee most fit, 
Who knows thee, and, as thy sad cause of shame. 
So now would reparation offer, cure 
What hurts by him were done. So much hath love 
For thee constrained him, that he now desires 
Thy kindness and thy favor and thy love. 
Reject not then these offered means, which give thee 
Wished opportunity to heal thy shame 
By marriage — and to whom more fit than him, 



i88 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

The cause of thy sad ruin and dismay? 

Dinah. Mother, what outrage fresh, what living 
shame 
Endured, wouldst thou force on me ? Must I hold 
Thee of my foes, pernicious to my peace. 
That thus thou seekest to augment my grief 
Made lasting, and thence much in horror grown? 
Destroy not so my peace, wreck not my hopes 
Of quiet sought. What have I done, what motioned 
Toward thee, that thou my worst foe art become, 
Most noxious, to move thus my dearest shame? 

Leah. Yet hear me, daughter. Not that I would 
lessen 
Or aught extenuate what offence thou hast ; 
But if thou well consider, thou must take 
Whatever means to save what still thou mayest, 
What still may be advantaged to thy good. 
Thou seest thy plight unhappy, virtue reft 
And name dishonored; which thou canst not cure, 
Nor aught relieve by cold repulse and hatred 
Toward him, the cause of all thy harm obtained. 
Bethink thee better what thou yet may'st have, 
His wife; which name and station shall protect thee 
Erom added insult, shame, indignity. 
His high condition warrants what respect 
Condition gives, and somewhat heals thy pride 
Thus wounded. Only disregard not all, 
All consolation not reject, that so 
What thou hast lost thou easily shalt miss. 

Dinah. Give over thy assault, thus tedious, irksome^, 
Aiming to win me to thy mind proposed. 
And leave me, worn and weary, thus tongue-battered. 
With siege of words beset, hard pressed and girded. 
That I to thee should yield, with him should live, 
Enduring all that shameful chance might bring. 
Sooner than such mischance, tormentive, grievous 
Above the lot of men, I would the sun 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 189 

Might scorch my reason, shriveled up and burned, 
Or that the lightning reach an angry arm 
To snatch me from a life more curst than death; 
Or that the blackening whirlwind suck me up, 
Then dash in pieces down, destroyed entire, 
That I might perish and be never more. 
Cancelled in every member, joint, and limb 
Of what I was, that none had known my shame. 

Leah. Be not so forward to afflict thyself, 
N'or motion to thy own destruction, daughter, 
"What heavy ills thou bear'st, only more burdened 
If thy own hand shall heap upon thyself 
More shame, more anguish to thy burden add, 
By fond rejection made, when offered now 
And set before thee to redeem thy hurt; 
Which motions to thy good, and makes for thee. 
Accept his offer then, while yet is time. 
Before perchance offended to depart. 

Dinah. What favor at his hand could I receive, 
Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down 
To such contempt, that he cannot avail 
With succor to uplift me, cleanse my stain? 
!Por so it should fall out in sad event. 
That he, who most would help, should hinder most, 
The best that he can give to me the worst. 
This knows my ravisher, and only seeks 
Yet further to afflict me with the shame 
Of constant misery — ever to my sight 
Present my deadliest foe and dearest harm. 

Leah. Would thou hadst hearkened, daughter, to my^ 
words. 
When I besought thee, that unhappy morn, 
]!s'ot so to leave the side that gave thee birth ! 
But wandering desire, I know not whence. 
Possessed thee. Thou hadst then persisted safe ; 
Not, as now, stained, deflowered, dishonored, reft 
Of all thy peace, slight, wretched, miserable. 



IQO TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Let parents learn henceforth to shun all hopes 
Of honor, reverence, respect from children, 
Who early will approve to lack that faith 
Which they toward their parents best should hold — 
That oft, be sure, shall wreck all household peace, 
And all their flowering hopes shall blast with woe. 

Dinah. What blame hath trod thy lip, mother 
perverse. 
That on me all that heavy load should light 
Of censure and reproach, which thus thou loadest ? 
To what was done I gave not then consent, 
WTiich might to any chance, nor touch with blame. 
Was I then never from thy side to go. 
But still at home remained, as though too weak 
Of nature that I could myself have care 
For what was wrong ? And what couldst thou have done, 
Hadst thou been there, more than myself I did? 
I begged him, I implored him, to forbear. 
Adjured by all the bonds of natural duty 
And of religion not to blot my honor. 
What could thy force have done which mine could not? 
If I not then sought out the ill I took, 
I^either shouldst thou upbraid me now with blame. 
Wrong me hot then for this so hard mischance. 
Which on me came invited not, nor sought. 

Leah. Then hear me with changed plea, since in thy 
words 
Much reason, and in thy thoughts trouble stands. 
N'ot that I like thy wedlock fortune, Dinah, 
Have I assayed thee thus, and moved thee hard 
To do but what remains, which thence perhaps 
May remedy thy state, and thee restore 
To place of wonted honor lost. Perhaps 
Men will forget, and kindlier in their words 
Will mention thee, of less desert insist 
Thy shame, if thou thy shame shalt cover well 
With discreet deed, this marriage I would join 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 191 

With him who now shall heal thy chief est harm. 
No better chance thou hast ; nor canst thou choose 
Herein what thou wouldst do — best then to think 
That now, since what thou wouldst thou canst not do, 
Here what thou canst thou wouldst. If else thou canst. 
Which herein I have failed to offer, say. 

Dinah. What husband now would wish me for a 
wife? 

Leah. The better that thou shouldst a husband have. 

Dinah. A woman should conceal a woman's shame. 

Leah. Rather should heal it, as in this were done. 

Dinah. I cannot so refute what plea thou offerest; 
But feel no less disgust and ill distaste 
For what thou hast proposed, this marriage joined 
With him who me hath ruined — and thence joined 
Much more to shame and misery, than to him 
Shall e'er be joined. How with him could I live, 
And him regard with reverence, who hath wronged 
Against my good ? yet fresh indignity 
Hath added, deeplier fixed the sting of shame, 
By this which now from him is moved — a union, 
Yet no just marriage, no true wedlock bands. 
Rather the bonds of hate — such death in life 
I thence with him should live, if thus were joined. 

Leah. Daughter, what is past hope is not past cure. 
For, grant thy life afflicted, broken, worn 
With ruin, yet of us thou still shouldst think, 
Thy parents, whose thy duty is and service. 
If here we think to work thy good, and gain 
Advantage to thy benefit, despise not 
Our counsel, nor our purpose thus forego. 
Though life no pleasure show, no glad delight, 
Nor even content, settled content, yet think 
That we intend what best for thee, advantage 
Hoped for thy good, which thus our purpose seeks. 
If thou shalt slack our counsel, and not seize 
Occasion to thy good, which offers here, 



192 TAMAR AND OTHER POEM? 

What wilt thou? Idle on the household hearth 
Burdenous to sit, afflicted, broken, tortured 
The more that thou didst not the chance then grasp, 
When chance presented, to appease thy wrongs. 
So shalt thou sink to querulous old age 
Outworn, and vexed that wedlock was not thine. 
Blaming thy own perversity which took not 
What chance for wedlock once to thee was offered. 
And mourning shalt thou walk in loveless age. 
Life undesired, though wont desired by all. 
And death, oft prayed, found tardy in approach. 
Then shalt thou truly suifer scorn, bemocked 
By wives, who children bear, thence happy, honored. 
Marking thy folly thus and perverse shame. 
These reasons then should win thee to thy good, 
Heartening thee to bear what ills thou hast, 
N'one added, that thou more of grief shouldst bear. 
But if, as seems, these win thee not, let win thee 
Persuaders of more power. My tears thou seest; 
Let these prevail with thee where reason could not. 
Thou art my daughter, thou my darling, thou 
Prom me hadst being. Whom shouldst thou regard 
But me? whom favor? I will bring thee soon, 
Where thou shalt find again thy ravished peace, 
That what thou lost by me shall be restored. 
Thus thou shalt have a husband, I a son. 

Dinah. I had no thoughts to answer thee ; but thou 
Hast brought to bear reasons more powerful 
Than reason, that perforce I yield. Thy tears. 
More valid arguments than words, have won me 
Vanquished by mastering importunity. 
Do as thou wilt ; thou seest it in thy hand. 

Leah. I thought discretion better would instruct 
And raise thy mind to higher thoughts, esteeming 
Thy own advantage worthier, weighed in value 
Of heavier scale — as this event hath proved, 
Showing thee not from reason all estranged. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 193 

But I must hence, and see all things prepared 

That to the happy spousal rite pertain. 

Thou therefore rise, and come with me along, 

That I may have thee heartened and new-clad, 

To appear as best becomes a spousal bride. 

Rise then and come. Thy body needs refreshment; 

Refreshment after pain, food after toil. 

That hath been tired all night without repose, 

Wherein thou hast endured vicissitudes. 

Hard changes, to the dews and damps exposed 

Unsheltered, which unseemly have disordered 

Thy beauty, comeliness, and maiden grace. 

Dinah. No, no ; it fits not that thou take such care 
Of my condition. Better suit me now 
These rags defiled, this base degree of shame 
To which I now am sunk. Why should I seek 
Ease for the body thus, not for the mind 
From vexing thoughts, which gather head, that so 
Bod/s distress be felt not in the mind's ? 
And why speak'st thou of beauty, once my pride? 
My beauty was my snare, provoking theft 
Of what to me than beauty dearer far. 
Then leave me as I am, fitly adorned 
For spousals such as mine, such ornaments 
And bridal trappings as may well befit 
These happy nuptial rites and wedlock-bands. 
A bride's best ornaments are purity. 
Fair unstained honor, virgin innocence; 
Which if I wear, what fault in me appears. 
Arrayed as best becomes a virgin bride? 
At least whate'er adornments I may have, 
That may commend me in my husband's sight, 
Are his bestowing, and should please him best. 
Who, ere his purchase, knows his bargain got. 
If he will seek me thus, and thence esteem, 
I shall have better heart to go along 
With him who now my lord and head becomes. 



194 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Thus I shall have a husband, thou a son. 

Leah. I see thy mind is much by passion "WTOUght, 
And desperate through grief ; thou hadst not else 
Disdained the wont adornments of the bride. 

DiN'AH. Such honorable usage as I had 
From him who weds me ; which, if thus he like not, 
Loads yet no blame on other than himself. 

Leah. If thou wilt take such thought to scom thy- 
self. 
So far forget thy honor, as to draw 
'New shame and scorn by such course thus untoward, 
To wisdom thwart, I care not, but will go 
Where other welcome I shall find, more fit. 
As suits a mother. Scorn with scorn I pay, 
Tolly will match with folly. So, farewell. 

Choeus. She's gone, as much in grief and vexed 
with wrath. 

Dinah. So let her go, who only sought my harm 
Unwisely — ^to my good though here intending — 
And worse dishonor, by these nuptials joined. 

Choeus. Yet wedlock is for woman her high state. 
Her happiest, cheered by husband's love obtained, 
And children's — ^bonds that tie her with such joy 
As women most are willing to endure. 

Dinah. If wedlock honorable, sentence holds. 
Where, matched with like, love hath an equal mate; 
But not here, where no true affection stands — 
Starved thus, and perished ere its timely birth. 
Where lust hath so obtained, love cannot come. 

Choeus. Dark are the ways of man 
And darkly endued 

His purpose, from right counsels found astray, 
Awry with ill, depraved 
To worst abuse, which all unsought alights, 
Unmerited, upon his steps. 
By nets of evil closed, pent in and drawn 
To lot unfortunate and shameful end; 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 195 

That grief with sorrow feeds the mind 
Harassed with doubts, perplexed, 
Impossible to solve 
The riddle hard of life. 

Semi-Chorus. For oft on those whom God's edicts 
divine 
Ordained in highest place, 
By favor fonnd his chosen 
And special people held, 
These he alike subjects to hard event, 
Though dignified with honor of his choice, 
ISTor aught of difference weighs 
Without their known default 
. Than on those visited whose deeds of ill 
Had fitly his anger induced 
And wrath well merited for impious acts. 
His ministers of fierce destruction called 
On them devote to ruin. 

Semi-Chorus. Else had not fallen thy lot such evil 
chance 
Painful, distressful, vile, 
With loss of virgin shame. 
That now torments thee with affliction sore 
And grievous lack of honor, 
With those torturing pains 
Of stinging anguish fierce and vexing grief. 
That pierce thus near thy heart. 

Chorus. But now toward us I see thy brothers tend. 
As here perhaps come thus to share thy grief, 
Condoling with thee what hard chance thou hast. 
Prepare forthwith to receive them. 

DiiTAH. Or this or not, with shame to me they come. 

Levi. We come thus, sister, to bemoan thy chance, 
As all who learn, and wish it had not been. 
For think not on thyself all grief alights, 
Though of its burden thou hast heavier share, 
But also we have sorrow that afflicts us 



196 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Alike as thine; which to relieve in part, 
If aught of comfort found in solace given, 
Behold us come. Say therefore what now done, 
That may relieve thy sorrow, raise thy mind 
With grief thus found distressed and grievous hurt. 

Dinah. If words might solace or beguile my 
wounds, 
They had been cured. For I that surfeit have 
Of speech intended healing, (and yet naught 
Of help affording) as might well induce 
Eelief or cure. Yet deeds might heal my griefs. 
For now my parents purpose thence to join 
In wedlock thus distasteful me to him, 
My ravisher, who hath destroyed my peace. 
But vainly do they purpose thus, unthought. 
Eather shall I endure to die, than live 
With him, in that iniquitous city left. 
Which knows my wrong, and shall behold my shame, 
A daily torture, never-ending death. 
That death itself endured before such lot 
Accurst, calamitous, abject, afflicted. 
Whence now from you I ask, since others fail. 
Some aid in counsel or fit deed supplied. 
That may with hopes present some chance to scape 
This worst of miseries that my life might bear. 
My life, thick-sown with griefs, I value not. 
Lose rather, than preserve to such ill end. 
Yet why do I complain, and show my griefs ? 
For so it must be — ^man shall woman wrong, 
And woman wronged endure. Whence it shall fall, 
That I shall draw out miserable days 
With him, a noxious bosoni-snake, entangled, 
If I by self-destruction cut not off 
My end — a better than with him to join. 

Simeon". Peace, sister ; be not o'ercome by thy evils, 
But overcome thy evils with strong hopes 
Of good from thence obtained, or at the least 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 197 

Of some fit recompense from wrought revenge, 

As suits thy outrage vile. Life is not lost ; 

And until that be reft despair not all, 

'Not slack occasion to redress thy wrongs; 

Whose satisfaction we ourselves must work, 

If we would gain. For I this day our father 

Have with solicitation wrought, to bring 

Upon our part, with wished consent obtained 

Of strict revenge upon our enemies. 

I have approached him, tried him, urged him hard, 

Adjured by all the ties of dear relation 

And of religion, duty, honor, virtue. 

To join with us, or at the least forbid not, 

If seeking out some opportunity 

Or apt occasion found to our revenge. 

But he persisted deaf, and would not hear, 

With strict refusal, dreading what might fall 

From slack compliance. Hence, if we desire not 

Ever such scorn to bear, contempt, such hatred. 

Debased to such ill shai^e, our foes' derision, 

We on ourselves must now depend, to gain 

What wished advantage found to scape our grief. 

What we should do lies not in long debate; 

But how alone, and when, remain to answer. 

Levi. In shrewd disasters caught behooves wise 
caution 
Lest in such toils and ill-considered snares 
But worse entangled — as not all revenge 
Foregoing, but with serious doubt ensnared 
If thence escaped — not all in folly wrecked. 

Simeon. Brother, in much unequal scale thou 
weighest 
Our danger, from far other quarter fearest 
Irruption, than what reason justly shows. 
Our greater peril is not that success 
We fail, but that we tamely thus endure, 
Without attempt, our loaded grief and shame. 



198 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Hath it escaped thee what unhappy plight 

We now possess, bearing such bitter change, 

Before unthought ? Four days' time now is passed, 

Since first our sister, innocent of ill. 

Went forth to see the daughters of this land. 

And in their city caught her grievous hurt 

Which hath undone her, shaming us to think; 

While we have thus endured without protest. 

Or word, or action; or, if aught protested, 

As though it were not. While our father, more 

To heap our shame, as though enough not harmed, 

Hath leagued him with the rulers of this land. 

Deaf to our wishes as the shore to surge, 

Passing that vile affront and outrage foul 

Of maiden innocence unwilling forced, 

That so hath touched us with the sting of shame; 

Bestowing thence our sister as reward 

On him who hath our sorrow thus induced ; 

Whom for our sister's sake I will not name. 

And this I mention, not that I would add 

To our affliction, but that I might raise thee 

To temper thus heroic that will chafe 

Under such insult done and shameful scorn. 

What think'st thou ? Wilt thou tamely thus endure. 

Or art thou apt with me to some revenge 

That may despoil our wrong and foil our ill, 

Wreaking upon our wronger hurt unthought? 

Occasion winks on opportunity, 

Beckoning soon perhaps a bold attempt. 

Such a discomfit as shall blank them quite 

And with confusion damp their mockery. 

Dinah. Leave such proposal, brother; spare the 
danger 
Of such attempt. But let me rather mourn 
My lost virginity and maiden peace, 
!N"eglected thus, thrown into much contempt, 
Or joined with him, my ravisher, to live 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 199 

Days undesired, in direst misery, 
Abhorred of all and shunned. What of me yet 
Remains think not of so much value held 
As to beguile to perilous enterprise 
Those who commiserate and with me mourn. 
For soon shall death, wherever found, seize on me, 
Or, he not come, I in some way shall find 
Escape from life thus bitter, undesired; 
Content in this, if with my own I draw not 
Ruin to others, in like pains cut off. 
For certain is my purpose fixed to die. 
Unless some satisfaction found, some forfeit. 
He shall exchange, who thus hath found me, ruined me, 
Destroyed, and now would worse dishonor heap 
Upon my shame — yoked in such heavy yoke 
Of wedlock loathsome, hateful, vile, distressed — 
But added insult on my shame now fixed. 
Perhaps myself shall chance on some revenge, 
Or else devise, suitable to my mind, 
That may convert my woes, and like bring down 
Discomfit and destruction, now unthought, 
On him who hath contemned and like despised 
My griefs. Howe'er may chance, my presage is 
That I some hard occasion to revenge 
On him shall find, or shortly be at rest, 
Surviving not the attempt to blot quite out 
All my dishonor or my hated life. 
Levi. It hath not scaped me, brother, what sore 
plight 
Hath late possessed us, that we suffer change 
Grievous to bear, and now in sad event 
Liker to prove far worse than first was feared. 
Of outcome ill, healing not thus what breach 
Upon our honor offered. These three days 
Wlio of us hath gone forth, or dared to show 
His face ? How have not all, who heard, re^viled 
Our lot, and cast upon us all reproach, 



200 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Our sister shamed? Yet wherein have we healed 

Our diseased honor ? Thou art not more apt 

To point revenge^ than I to follow thence. 

If they will threaten war, let them have war; 

Better a just war than an unjust peace. 

And who besides hath blame, except ourselves, 

If this despite, this hurt, unpunished scape? 

Which must not be. Doubt not, but we shall find 

Some plan, occasion, some consenting time, 

Both to avenge our wrongs, and thence pluck down 

Upon our foes like sorrow and contempt. 

If we but sudden courage seize, we may 

Boldly assault the ravisher in his hold. 

Yet come off safe. But let not slack forbearance 

Eat out the heart of shrewd intent, which urges 

To enterprise us. While we speak, he lives. 

Simeon. With wisdom hast thou spoken. Only 
hence 
Run not upon the worse extreme, and draw 
Peril unthought from slack discretion found, 
Or error — which might dash our hope secure 
Of wished advantage to their ruin found. 
Nor let us therefore slack aught vigilance 
In effort, but approve our vengeance thought 
By safety to ourselves, when once obtained. 
For what avails our recompense, if we 
Pull down the same destruction on ourselves 
As on our foes visited with dismay ? 
Which must not be, but makes against our purpose. 
Yet, on the other, let not slackened courage 
Put us too much from venture, howe'er chanced. 
Much better shall we choose to bear some risk 
In effort, something close or open try. 
Than she in that pernicious city left; 
Whence plan or guile invented that may serve 
To stir them to their peril, with such diet 
In surfeit gained, as may approve their bane, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 201 

Ravening their own ruin. Whence I bethink 

Occasion sly and opportunity 

Of onset or adventure on them tried, 

Boldly upon them come, unwarned, surprised. 

Which on them may bechance with much dire ruin, 

And quell their pride, who thus have sore affronted 

Our honor — to our foes' dismay attempted ; 

Which is both victory and dread revenge. 

Levi. I see thou art not slow-paced to some revenge 
That may requite our harm, and us redeem 
From stain of injured honor, wilt not slack 
To wipe our blot of infamy. But what plan 
Or scheme hast thou that may advantage here, 
And rase the mark of our indignity? 
Thou seest our number few; and what in might 
Have we upon so many, if provoked 
And stirred with harm? Hence now discretion needs 
With caution to our purpose entertained 
Of shame and hatred in their ruin quenched. 

Simeon". What plan advantaged here let shrewd 
occasion 
With time consent. Some chance, be sure, will rise. 
Or we can find device of stratagem 
Apt to our purpose. I do not more fear 
Time and occasion lacking to our need 
Than courage to lay hold upon occasion 
And seize its forelock — ^bald indeed behind 
It comes, and hard to grasp, but easily 
May be approached before, and mastered thence. 
Yet so, be sure, in nothing to induce 
Our own desert in danger ; for herein 
That plan approves as best, which foresight takes 
Of its own safety — lacking that, foregone. 
As but the hazard of its own destruction. 
But use we here discretion, and not passion. 
To rule our counsels joined. Anger, like rain, 
Breaks but itself by what it falls upon; 



202 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

But wise 'discretion reaches its snre aim, 
Yet is not gored by reflex of the stroke. 
Whence, sister, thou must herein give consent. 
Unwillingly, to part with him along, 
As toward the city to the marriage -feast ; 
Thence we shall follow, and in safest hope 
Boldly upon them venture there, and slay, 
Swording it through the city, till not one 
Shall yet alive remain, nor tongue to boast 
What ruin and confusion on thee brought. 
Which shall revenge indeed, and well repay 
What thou hast suffered, what reproach we bear, 
And teach our enemies not much to hope 
Escape, or think to shun what punishment, 
If they on us indignity presume. 

Levi. With deeds, not words, we mean herein to try 
What our power is, or right — our clear intent 
Let action speak, the loudest orator. 
To cheat occasion, with the time consent. 
And let it not abate us, that we lack 
ISTumbers, experience, and warlike skill. 
Our vigor is the justice of our cause, 
Which more avails than coats of stoutest proof ; 
This lacked, unarmed they fight, though locked in mail. 

Simeon. But now bethink; for open lies this place, 
Nor far withdrawn from sound, or close espial. 
Which well betrays our speech, if any mark. 
And loud disquiet. Whence retire befits 
To secrecy, herein our best ally. 
Thou, sister, the meantime, slight not all aids 
To safety, which discretion holds. While we 
Abroad, shall venture forth,, to enterprise 
The means of thy revenge ; that thou not thence 
Shalt hold us slack, or froward from our aim. 

Chorus. What hopes of aid in this thou hast, set 
forth. 
That we, who shared thy sorrow, share thy joy. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 203 

Since woman most a woman's trouble feels. 

DiN"AH. Your purpose, friends, is kindly, and 
approves 
What former care ye had for my distress. 
But be not like the summer-seeming friend, 
Vanishing, as the fickle flies of spring, 
When threatened storm is nigh. But to my aid 
Give silence and close circumspection sly. 
Lest some ill-greeting failure shall attempt 
Our purpose tried, converting all to ruin; 
Which must not be, if we would gain revenge. 

Chorus. Doubt not; thus much we promise thee in 
aid. 

Dinah. Thence more to you in grateful debt I stand. 
Which my sincerest joy shall recompense 
When satisfied the great accompt I have 
Toward him, who wrought on me this direst harm, 
To ravish thus my shame and virgin peace. 

Choeus. folly ! to pervert Heaven-gifted powers 
With worst abuse thus to their meanest use. 
Which God intends to reason should be subject. 
Nor over reason evilly usurp ! 

Dinah. For on him justly is repaid the sin 
Which he hath sinned, yielding with loosened lust 
To an ungoverned and wild appetite. 
With unthought grief in surfeit crammed and gorged. 

Choeus. glorious means endued, the gift of 
Heaven, 
As God thus late hath raised 
For thy complete deliverance 
Unquenchable force ordained 
To quell the boisterous violence of evil men, 
When, in his mighty purpose 
And counsel high decreed 
Upon those enemies and proud insulters 
To wreak his vengeful wrath, 
From ashes rousing into sudden flame, 



204 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

He, all their strength and mighty feats contemning. 

On them surprised, amazed. 

Struck from defence. 

His furious purpose sends. 

Whelming them, spent and lost, thus high distract. 

In the tempest of Heaven's affliction. 

Semi-choeus. Yet so deliverance high he oft delays, 
Postpones his mighty counsel 
And purpose great decreed 
Upon his people held, 
The trial of their patient faith esteemed 
And tested fortitude, 

Till suffering and endurance prove their faith 
Victorious over all 

The tyranny of chance may them allot, 
That in the end his counsel wise appear 
Upon his chosen ordained, 
"W'Tiom high reward for purpose resolute 
And patient fortitude must crown. 

Semi-choeus. Which on thee so perhaps by God 
ordained^ 
Thus in his purpose wise 
By evil sorrows burdened 
Above the lot of men ; 
Which yet may he avert 
Prom thee, and thence to good 
As high, as low to evil now, upraise 
Thy swooning spirits depressed. 
Turning thy sorrows to some hopeful end. 

CnoEUS. But now I see thy father here approach 
With tardy steps — perhaps thus come to gain 
Thy doubtful purpose; for with him I see 
The miner of thy state, who such annoy 
To thee hath wrought, yet now perhaps would seek 
Forgiveness, and move pardon for his fault. 
His action bears remorse, his mien repentance. 
What his intent may chance, we now; shall learn. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 205 

Dinah. Or thus or not, alike to me they come. 

Jacob. With hesitating thoughts and doubtful pur- 
pose, 
As moved herein by thy affliction, daughter, 
I come with hopes of benefit accomplished 
Perhaps to thee; and with me I have brought 
AAHiom thus thou seest, who now desires to join thee 
His wife. Which comfortable hope affords 
To thy desired relief. Whence hear him speak. 

Dinah. His wife? my ruin! let him not approach 
me ! 

Shechem. With doubtful hopes and lagging resolu- 
tion, 
I come, still fearful of thy hatred, Dinah, 
Which I with my own act have justly drawn. 
Meriting well thy fierce displeasure heaped 
Upon my fault, which I could wish not done, 
So ill the consequence to thee derived. 
But powerful love hath thus to thee impelled me, 
Once more to see thy face and view thy state. 
Which now thus sad I see, and like repine 
Thy hard condition. This hath moved me then, 
XFor so of thee had come such ill report) 
With hopes of reparation made perhaps 
Por my too hasty deed. Whence now proposed 
This honorable marriage with thee joined- 



As to thy parents thou knoVst late was moved ^ 

(Nor all unwillingly by thee deemed heard) 
Which may perhaps redeem thy forfeit state 

And thee in former place of honor set 

Tardy amends, yet all within my power 
Of satisfaction for my rash misdeed. 

Dinah. To salve my honor I could better choose 
My choice, than thee — thus brutish, bestial, lustful. 
My outrage who with cruelty hast wrought. 

Shechem. Bid me not thus despair ; but in thy face, 
Wherein the heaven of mercy I behold. 



2o6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Let glimpses of some happier fortune shine. 

Dinah. What ear thou gavest to my prayers, when I 
Besought thee not with ruin thus to harm me 
And force my maiden fortress, give I thine. 

Shechem. Repulse me not thus, Dinah; but still 
hear me, 
While I to thee such forceful plea shall move, 
So powerful, weighty, pleasing, as may well 

Convince thee that I then no harm intended 

By gusty passion hurried to that deed 

And now to thee motion what highest good 
I unto thee may offer, with intent 
To salve thy wounded hurt, and quite redeem 
The blot thy name hath taken with foul stain. 

Dinah. Hence from my sight, thou serpent, that 
hath stung 
With poisonous tooth my honor, whose dire hurt 
No balm or healing cure may medicine. 
That e'er it show as fair as then it showed 
Ere thee I saw, my lecherous ravisher, 
My dearest enemy, my direst harm, 
Who ruined me — seek'st but to ruin more. 
Upon whom shall contempt and hatred sit 
Throughout all time, defamed with evil shame 
Of maiden honor ravished, virgin peace, 
Which hath exposed me to such chilling hatred 
Of those who hear — pointed with all contempt 
And hateful scorn. Boast of thy venom foul. 
That hath polluted me, and stained my name 
With such dishonor, with such blot accurst; 
But think not thus to charm me to my harm 
With cunning spell of words ; thy double tongue 
On me can have no power, its strength is nulled, 

That I should mind thee, or to thee give ear 

Yet worse esteemed, debased, abhorred, and vile, 
If I endure to pass thy heinous crime 
And gloss it with the added stain of wife 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 207^ 

To thee conjoined — wilful dishonor done 
To my own self by my own hand, thence worse 
Than what thou did^st, as though I had consented 
In what thou hast done, which me hath so undone. 
Thus much from thee of serpent I have gained, 
That I am deaf to these thy sweet persuasions, 
Stopping my ear to all thy flatteries. 

Shechem. Let me but touch thy hand in sign of 
pardon. 

DiiSTAH. Take not possession of me by a look. 
ITo ; ravish other virgins for thy wives, 
'\Tho glory in that shame, but think not me 
Ever to draw to such defilement foul, 
With bait of honeyed words beguiled to folly. 
Dishonor, which should prove my chiefest shame, 
That I intend on me not thus is done. 
If in my flower of beauty, when all loved me, 
Admired, respected, cherished, sought me, served me, 
Thou only couldst contemn me and despise me, 
Force me to hard condition, last insult me, 
Pretending through thy love for me impelled 
To do what thou hast done, if thou couldst this. 
How wouldst thou soon my trampled beauty scorn. 
How slight, disfavor ! How wouldst thou insult me, 
Exult upon me, scorn me, hate, neglect me. 
Taunting me with the stain of virgin name 
Defaced, deflowered, thence cheap by thee esteemed! 
Yet now to pity wouldst thou make pretence, 
And softened heart ! No pity could make tender 
Thy calloused heart ! Thy shifts and feigned devices 
Open appear, and show thy love how false. 
I see thee, serpent, what thou art — a heart 
Treacherous as hard, the snake beneath the rock. 
What peace with thee were found, what pleasure, honor, 
Who sought me out, since fair, then falsely robbed me, 
At time when life wont most with joy be found, 
Of all my honor, virtue, virgin peace 



2o8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Violated, then ^thrust me forth despoiled, 

Naked of innocence, of hope, of good 

Eeft, and ashamed before my enemy? 

Think not that aught shall ever tempt my feet 

That I should enter in thy doors, a vnie 

Thus wronged, insulted, shamed, dishonored, scorned, 

Visited with contempt, the worst disgrace 

With evil that could e'er my life befall. 

Shechem. Yet hear me speak, nor causelessly reject 
My offered sorrow for my deed misdone. 
Which cannot now undo. Hence but remains 
To seek what means may heal thy hurt, and thee 
Restore to place of honor, set thee high 
In all men's sight. Be not, as thy great shame 
Constrains thee now, stubborn as steel, austere, 
Set on revengeful spite, severe in thoughts 
Toward him who loves thee and would now repair 

The damage to thy name, unweeting wrought 

Rio-orous for my default, but rather learn 
What cure may best thy sore hurts now avail 
With healing, mindless all of what is past, 
That what I reft thou easily shalt spare. 

Dinah. Out, jackal, out ! who didst not then relent 
To leave thy horrid purpose, when thou forced'st me 
To act of lust distasteful, scandalous, 
Pernicious to my honor ! What had love 
In thee, or how thy purpose aught impelled, ^ 
When thou didst thus constrain me to thj msh. 
Rifling my virgin store? But love thou call st it, 
The urging and impulse of powerful love ! 
Thy lust it was, thy lecherous l^'t i^Jff, 
That made me-what I am-which hath no name, 
Thus under all contempt reduced, below 
All shame, disgust, and loathing. Is it love, 
Is it now love become, thy plea thus changed 
That I should like it more than when it robbed 
Me of my peace, destroyed my honor, iett me 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 209 

A target to the constant dart of scorn ? 
But love thou hast degraded with such name 
Affixed to kist thus hateful. Love seeks love; 
^ot with rank violation and hot shame, 
The hateful and unhol}^ use of lust. 
But with just honor paid and jealous awe 
Upon its object guarded with due care 
From harm betided — not, as thou hast done, 
Working to raise inexpiable contempt, 
Knowing, as needs thou should, so disregarding 
The honor due to love. Still canst thou plead 
That love impelled thee, urged thee, forced thee on ? 
For, had thy love been, as it ought, sincere, 
It would have taught thee other, other deeeds 
Would have brought forth, than insult to the honor 
And name of virgin, as thou here hast done. 
Yet now wouldst cloak thy deed, veil it, thus foul, 
With the fair guise of love ! How wilt thou here 
Varnish thy plea, that bare in guilt now shows? 

Shechem. Yet hear me, Dinah ; not that I excuse 
My fault, or value less thy ill received. 
That great offence from me, but that I still 
Have heart to move such plea, as moved before. 
Of love to thee constraining (though I took 
Manner unkind to manifest my love) 
Humbly with penitence and pardon sought, 
That thou mayest know how much I now repent 
Thy sad undoing, when, I know not whence, 
That impulse mad and fierce desire possessed me 
To taste thee and enjoy thee, found by chance, 
Unknown, whom I, by sudden passion forced. 
The effect of love working some violent way. 
Constrained thus to my liking and thy hurt. 
And then I knew thee not — for, had I known thee, 
Be sure some way I had found out to know 
Thy parents, and from them desired in haste 
Thee as my wife, in wedlock fair conjoined. 



210 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Must it be then my punisliment determined, 
That, when I now have found thee and have gained 
Thy parents to my wish, I thence must lose thee, 
To lose thee when I scarce had rightly found thee, 
Foregoing in thee all delight, once hoped. 
All converse, that I might to thee display 
My sorrow and regret for what I did. 
Thy ruin, which hath also drawn my pain, 
My sorrow — which I did not so intend. 
Impelled by passion mad and blind desire. 
That thus hath wrought thy ruin and reproach, 
If to my purpose thou not willing yield? 
Forego then what intent thou hast of hatred 
And distance toward me ; let me find some way, 
Though late, to recompense, what in my power. 
The great harm on thee I am charged to have done. 
DiiTAH. Since thou art minded thus to recompense 
Thy harm on me, no better way I know 
Than to give o'er thy seeking, thus through love 
Impelling, to this act now motioning on, 
As thou averrest. If love be thy object. 
Love to thyself, as love to self thou givest. 
Elsewhere, another woman for thy wife 
Seek out, not me, who ne'er toward thee can know 
The love thou seekest. Should I now accept 
Thy plea as true of love toward me impelling 
When thou didst what thou didst, that could not raise 
Love toward thyself in me, nor aught allay 
The hate toward thee I hold. The wont effect 
Of hatred and of hateful deeds is hate, 
Not love, not honor for dishonor, reverence 
For shame, not liking for dislike, distaste. 
A harvest like thy seed thou shouldst expect. 
Sow love, thou shalt reap love ; sow hate and scorn, 
Then scorn thou garnerest, scorn, repulse and hate. 
Thou wouldst not think in wedlock fair to Join, 
Or wish thy wife, one so pernicious found, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 211 

Destructive, to thy peace, reminding thee 

Thy constant shame — that more should work thy shame. 

Thou must with other plea attempt my mind. 

More consonant with reason, more adjudged 

To soothe discretion, than what now thou hast, 

Contrary to all kindness, reason, justice. 

Or favor, by this plea but outraged worse. 

Approve thy plea with reason, that my reason 

Thence may approve thy plea; which reason is. 

Shechem. Then further hear me. Since love moves 
thee notj 
Love, held the highest aim of human life, 
Rigorous of sway in human hearts, and most 
Of force adjudged in woman, who loves most 
And most for love will venture, then let move thee 
Motive more valid deemed to reason found. 
More apt, that thence thy reason may approve. 
Though thou hast scorned my love, and treated thence 
With harsh neglect, against life's canon law, 

(For to be loved is sure the first delight 

To love, not less) yet reason thou mayest not 
So readily, if it consort with prudence. 
With wisdom, skill, discretion. For but think. 
If love be not admitted, nor considered, 
As to the mind distasteful, offered thus, 
What still may be accomplished, nor too late, 
To lighten what thou bearest, satisfying. 
With what amends I have, thy loaded shame. 
Thou shalt not wisely disregard my words 
As idle judged, vexatious, futile, fond. 
First, as it was my weakness, not thy sin, 
I on myself all blame transfer, and beg 
What time and opportunity may offer 
To make amends for what I have mis done, 
Misguided. Then, since now the deed is done 
Beyond undoing, whether good or ill. 
Thou mayest not alter, nor to change contrive. 



212 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

(Since done none can undo, nor past recall) 

What can it still avail that thou shouldst bear 

So sensibly as not such reparation 

Shown to accept? — deemed only madness then 

Idly to mourn thy heavy chance, nor change 

What in thy power now shows. Though thou shouldst 

rain 
Rivers of tears, they cannot wash thy grief. 
Let us leave what is past — as known past cure, 
So past bewailing known — and to the present 
Entrust our joy, mindless of what is done. 
And hopeful what the future holds in store. 
If reason, and not love, made thee reject, 
As fond, what offer tendered late by love. 
Let reason, and not love, make thee accept 
What for thy name recovered reason offers. 

Jacob. Daughter, if tender love toward thee may 

venture 
Thus far, and not reap sole repulse and scorn. 
Like, if thou canst, this offer, since the best 
That now is hoped, nor fondly thus reject 
What tendered good thou seest ; perhaps withdrawn, 
If thou despitefully mistreat with scorn. 

Shechem. I know not how my words may be 

received, 
"^Tien further ventured; but discretion still 
For thee obtains, if thou unstop thy ear 
Now to her voice. Though thou hast many wrongs 
And grievous, heavy, hard indeed to bear. 
Wrong not thyself still worse by proud rejection 
Had to my suit, that offers thee thy name 
And fame recovered; nor, as now thou showest, 
Be thus contemptuous, proud, austere as steel, 
Rigorous for my offence, but rather choose 
What cure may best avail to close thy wounds; 
That thou mayest, if in mercy not excels 
In prudence and in wise discretion so. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 213 

Dinah. The view of thee doth still offend my eyes 
With blasting sight! that the piercing thorn 
Of painful blindness might destroy that sense, 
That I might never see thee more, once seen 
To my destruction, whom I now must see 
Both day and night — a horror but to think ! 
Yet, worse, shall thee embrace, my husband, deemed 
The partner of my heart and solace dear ! 
place, wherein I lost my virtuous shame 
And virgin honor, must I then consent 
To see, and not once only, but through life, 
That darkest spot accurst, wherein I lost 
Both name and virgin blame, and with him live^ 
My ravisher, the ruin of my peace? 
Yet now who proffers peace, unthinking aught 
What horror stands between us, what disgust, 
Our firstborn offspring, gendered and conceived 
In lust, inbred by hate, before their time 
In loathing now delivered and in shame. 
That sharp distaste shall still possess us linked 
As to a lewd and loathly corpse of death. 
Much rather would I die than live with him. 
My ravisher, who bred my quickening shame. 
The sight of whom shall vex me day by day, 
A life's long dying to augment my grief, 
A lifelong death. Yet what avail my words? 
Since death, who sets all free with glad release. 
Shall here be foiled, for still my shame shall live, 
Though I be dead, my fair inheritance, 
And monument that shall forever stand. 
Living or dying then, what succor found, 
Or solace to my hopes, that I should scape 
Shame, my tormenter, that thus suffers not 
My anguish to assuage, or thoughts to rest? 
This lingering fever, this disease of shame, 
Which in my body lurks and banishes 
The sense of peace, in me must ever live. 



214 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

virgin spousal bed^ which I had Jiopes 

One day I should possess, and there enjoy 

Embrace of him, my solace and delight, 

Whom I could love; and thence with joy bring forth 

Fair beauteous offspring chaste, to whom should cling 

JSTo shame, as from a mother bad derives ! 

What dowry shall I bring ye, daughters ! sons, 

Fair heritage your mother now bestows! 

But go I must ; and what avails to mourn ? 

Chorus. wretched chance thou fallest upon, 
Dinah, with woes endued 
Above the lot of men! 

Which that thou shalt endure, may God afford 
Patience and helpful grace. 

Heartening thee to endure what ills thou bearest. 
That thou may'st conquer all 
The tyranny of shame on thee allots. 
And last be numbered found on those 
Whom patience gloriously shall crown; 
Since in the hand of God the issue lies. 

Jacob. friends, what hope of consolation here 
May seem, or solace ? where unhappy chance 
Hath seized my child, and in me now begets 
Dire grief, plucking from me that pleasing hope 
In her perhaps to have received some surety 

Of honor all unwonted on me found 

Return unsuitable adjudged from God 

For so much faith that trusted thus in all. 

Who now could pray for children, valuing 

The stain of barrenness as a reproach. 

Or curse of God, when sorrow such as mine 

May seize a parent and depress with grief? 

Or are such gifts, desirable appearing. 

Only of doubtful ,a:ood, and offered thus 

To tempt our wishful prayers, but draw a sting, 

Sharp as a serpent's tooth, to wound the mind? 

Alas, not so to me as good appears 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 215 

That whom God's choice hath chosen thus and reared 
To grace and favor should be thus o'erwhelmed. 
Be it but for sake of former honor given ! 

Choeus. Deject not utterly; nor thus arraign 
God's providence, and Heavenly disposition, 
Which yet perhaps may turn the works of men, 
Though evil now appearing, to some good. 
Working herein the trial of thy faith 
With richer grace bestowed, when from such ill 
God shall ordain on thee some benefit, 
Returning for thy evil certain good. 
For God, who thee hath chosen and ordained 
To such high state, such honor, can as easy 
Ordain, to recompense the ill thou hast. 
Some glorious guerdon of exceeding faith. 
Visiting thy affliction and sore pain 
With marvelous healing, found thy hopeful balni. 
His mighty power we know, and him can like 
Accredit on his people purpose high 
(For whom, if not on us, his favor set?) 
The Holy One of Heaven, and our God. 

Jacob. Thy words not yet avail to raise my trust. 
For, oh, how different now my hopes portend 
From what they late possessed, when high in thoughts 
Magnanimous I stood, secure of ill. 
By proof beyond all doubts thus high inflamed ! 
Yet now, alas, despised, abject, and gazed. 
Made of all men the mock and deepest scorn, 
Forsaken, left of God, by him esteemed 
Thence to such glorious mission high upraised ! 
Who envies now my lot, or thus could live 
Hopeless of future, that me now presents 
Life undesirable, laborious days 
Of toilsome thought, myself thus all contemned, 
Hopeless, unpitied, hated, and despised? 
Why could not death, acceptable death, have comd 
To snatch her hence, ere thus upon her fallen 



2i6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Such burdenous ill unthought, the worst of grief 
That human life with misery might bear? 

Chorus. Lament not thus; nor, all in doubts, afflict 
thee 
With impious thoughts of sin unpunished done. 
For God hath not entirely left, nor all 
Suitable vengeance passed, as paid entire 
Those who have thus his precepts foully mocked, 
But still shall visit with affliction grievous 
And direful, as may best befit his care. 
Such foul dishonor to his chosen done. 
Against God also, not against thee alone. 
Have they presumed, who to their hurt shall find 
Doubtless swift vengeance visited upon them 
And wrath of Heaven, who their own ruin invoked. 
For God, who thee upheld with heavenly strength, 
When once at Peniel all night thou strovest, 
There wrestling with the angel, can as easy 
Uphold and strengthen in thy trial hard, 
Tf thou believe him better than thou hast. 
And I persuade me more, because of old 
Thou wert his chosen, who with hand not slack 
Can still sustain thee thence by heavenly grace. 
Whence share with us what hopes we now obtain 
With good success to reach complete revenge, 
Visiting them with vengeance, as befits. 
Who our despite have wreaked and shameful harm. 
Thy sons (for so in purpose late they stood 
With us) through sharp desire to satisfy 
For her, and ample vengeance wreak for loss 
Of virgin peace thus wrecked, have parted late. 
Bound thus obscure that none perhaps might mark 
And frustrate thus their secret purpose set. 
Requital for such outrage vile to seek. 
Wliat if by this they have passed, and soon shall gain 
Such ample retribution as may well 
Cancel those hopes thus vile and dash their thoughts 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 217 

Who impiously presumed indignity 

Upon God's chosen, to their harm presumed, 

Their own destruction thence and ruin drawn ? 

Jacob. folly and shame ! That they should thus 
presume, 
My sons, usurping, set on hateful spite. 
Against my right, thence drawing their own harm, 
Yet, worse, of me, and all, when, thus provoked, 
Our foes on us shall recompense exact 
For oath so violated and slack faith ! 
Why have I thus bemoaned as ill that lot 
I had obtained, since now much worse appears 
Danger which threatens, that the lesser evil 
I feel not, by the greater thus infixed ? 
But let me hence, if warned in time perhaps 
Those with whom late in league I joined, that thence 
Haply they may escape the mortal snare ; 
N'or on me stick reproach for slackened faith. 
What they had done deserved no such return 
After close league in amity so joined, 
ISTor me excuses that I now should warn 
What danger, all unthought, on them impends. 
For, where such warranty and oath conjoin. 
True faith should like conjoin, nor thus permit 
Duty to slack, or care, as here were done. 

Choeus. Yet stay; for hither speeding to our place 
I see who may report our state with news. 

Messenger. sight, which late these eyes with dre:.cl 
beheld, 
And still behold, so lively yet I see. 
By fancy or imagination fixed 

Still on my mind that sight, though loathing much ! 
Yet not so, but that accident or chance 
Hath led me hither, or the guess of instinct. 
To ye, so much thus in the news concerned. 

Jacob. Or good or bad thy tidings, speak them out. 



2i8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Messengek. Good to whom good ; which here not all 
may boast. 

Jacob. Yet still set out thy news; which, good or 
bad, 
Come not too soon; for still the worst endured, 
Until relation clear ends apprehension. 

Messenger. Shechem, and all who wrought thy 
daughter's harm, 
Are overthrown, in ruin whelmed and fallen. 

Jacob. What punishment upon him was exacted, 
Adjudged thus guilty, worthy not to scape? 

Jacob. Just punishment and right, nor aught 
extenuate. 
The dark and lecherous deed, which there he wrought, 
Cost him his life. 

Jacob. heavy satisfaction 
Upon his sin exacted to his harm! 
One question else remains — say at whose hand. 

Messenger. Thy sons have recompensed her direful 
harm. 

Jacob. But how done thus? put forth the full rela- 
tion, 
"With tidings more particular and distinct. 

Messenger. Hither from Shalem come I, wherein 
dwelt 
He who had wrought thy daughter's ruinous harm. 
There as my task I sped, following a beast 
Stolen from the flock, some little time I passed, 
Ere I had quite dispatched; when sudden rose 
Rumor of tumult, that with noise aroused 
Each byway and high street. Soon I beheld 
M'^here through the streets approached some bridal train, 

That wont with glad disorder pass along 

But passed not gladly here, such uproar wild 
Threatening arose, as well might ruin all, 
Not suiting nuptial time and marriage-feast. 
There as I nearer drew, I found the bride 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 219 

(And so, ere I arrived, from some I gained) 

None else than that sad virgin, thy wronged daughter. 

She, with distressful plight, and fearful tears 

That ceased not flowing, passed along the streets, 

Matter of scorn and gaze, with foul abuse 

Exclaimed upon each side, as well might draw 

Resentment, if aught friendly to her stood. 

And so it chanced; for soon a voice was heard 

Much moved, by passionate wrath as far distressed : 

Why do ye thus presume beyond the bounds 

Of hospitality, that ye bemock 

One so misfortuned, whose distressful plight 

Might pity better draw and courteous silence. 

As fits a woman solitary in grief. 

Raising compassionate ruth for sad mischance? 

Whereto with impudence was thus returned : 

Who art thou that inquirest thus our right 

To do as now? Know that thy thought concern 

Hath here no place, for not thy bride we deem 

The woman was, nor haply of thy tribe. 

To mix with our concerns thou wert best forbear, 

'Not draw upon thyself perhaps what anger 

Provoked thou seest; better love thy life. 

So spake they, as to height of fury raised, 

Surveying him who thus had dared presume 

To that bold deed, vouched with a speech thus bold. 

Whereat thy sons, for so I then perceived 

Simeon and Levi, waited not, but set 

Upon them, with what weapons there by chance. 

Or haply to this purpose with them found. 

Whom when among, they with such fury smote 

Upon them, that they might not well withstand 

So sudden onset, but to flight they turned, 

(Unweaponed, as the wont of bridal train) 

Struck from their boastful hope, bereft, and fallen. 

After whom slain, these stayed not yet their wrath, 

Swording it through the city, where by chance, 



220 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Within doors or without, in flower of youth 

Or crowned with wintry age — none able aught 

Of opposition — till, of all there found 

In manhood, none alive remained, overcome 

And quite destroyed by such avenging wrath. 

Then, after such dire slaughter, which had slain 

Their city's prime in manhood and the flower. 

Youth, or old age, or child, in death not spared, 

"With all of common sort, and thereto joined 

Him who had wrought so grievous harm, the proud 

Insulter, cause of all their wrath provoked 

By such indignity, dishonor foul. 

They took forthwith their sister and escaped. 

Wherein if to our foes be aught of joy. 

Let them rejoice indeed and gratulate. 

Chokus. Heaven-ordained revenge victorious ! 
On those insulters proud in scorn 
Fully avenged with grievous foil 
Amply repaid, their high-built pride 
Tumbled with shock; 

Which ruined their hopes and dashed their thoughts, 
Who only meant our harm, yet reaped 
Anger and dread insult 
Upon them ensnared. 
In the fatal fold self-tangled ! 

When their hearts were uplifted, high in scorn. 
Jocund with mockery, drunk with pride 
And surfeit of laughter deep ingorged. 
Sudden upon them struck 
Dire madness, by them induced 
Unthought, which only drew 
Speedy destruction and death upon them come 
Who thought our wrong. 
Yet contrary proved 
The snare of ruin upon them. 

For these, though all disprized, 
Contemned, and held diminished, slight, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 221 

From under embers roused their vigor's sudden blaze ; 

And as a leopard came, which hunger drives 

Upon the flocks in wattled cotes at eve 

When shepherds sleep secure, but as a lion 

Their fiery virtue fell, 

Sudden as clap of thunder from clear sky ! 

So fell their foes ; but these, as Virtue's self, 

Most active roused when seeming most depressed, 

Revived their courage hid, 

And on their enemies, who them despised, 

Smote like a tempest, when the quartered winds 

Rush forth and vex the woods. So fell their foes; 

But these, from great emprise. 

Return with joy and glad elation high. 

After the slaughter of their foes amazed. 

Stricken from all defence, on whom o'erwhelmed 

God hath discharged his errand of affliction. 

But hold ; for now the storm draws on apace. 

Jacob. The day hath promised fair, nor yet portends. 

Choeus. Another kind of tempest threatens now. 

Jacob. Un joint thy speech perplexed; no riddle 
needs. 

Choeus. The riddle is resolved ; thy sons draw nigh. 

Jacob. Why have ye, sons, thus motioned to my hurt 
And yours, by this ill deed that shall corrupt 
My name among these heathen and profane ? 
Was there no right on you by me presumed. 
That ye should venture thus beyond your due. 
Done in this deed, usurping to yourselves, 
And arrogating my due place supposed? 

Simeon. We have done what we have done, motion- 
ing to good. 
Thereto set on by Grod, purposed to do. 
His instruments, what punishment ordained 
Upon those evil, heathen, treacherous, vile. 
That guilt of their own ruin thence had drawn. 
And herein do we but our deed approve 



222 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

That vengeance sore hath dealt on him, the proud 
Insulter. For should he thus basely scape, 
Who with our sister hath presumed to deal 
As with a harlot ? Thus in this we erred not. 
But better are approved. Who could endure 
Such treacherous blot to family and God, 
Indignity to honor and religion, 
Joined to idolaters, the head of shame? 
If thou, her father, couldst not feel such insult, 
And thence resent it with more strenuous anger. 
We at the least could, and could like avenge it. 
Thy slackness hath relaxed our bond of duty 
Toward thee, and justified our vengeful deed. 
As but a holy ill and pious wrong. 
All of them then were slain — ^he, who had spoiled 
Our sister's honor, to avenge our quarrel; 
The other only to assure our safety 
Was done, lest thence on us perhaps induced 
Danger unthought, with ruin unsuspect, 
Yet none the less pernicious to our lives 
From these who wrought our ruin thence and shame. 
Jacob. What consequence from this rash act may 
draw 
Condemns the deed. Why should I be contemned 
As a league-breaker, worthy death adjudged, 
Which these shall visit on me for my faith 
Unfaithful, unregarded, unobserved? 
Had I no power herein, and ye no duty, 
That ye with disobedience have usurped 
My office known, a stench upon my name 
Thus bringing with contempt, that Canaan's sons 
Cast blame on me for disregarded oath. 
Broken my plighted faith and duty sworn, 
That I have infamy upon my name 
Denounced, a breaker of just oath and faith ? 
And do ye now with sober brow approve it, 
Glossing it with religion's holy name 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 223 

A deed thus vile, unholy, irreligious, 
Against the laws of God and laws of nations 
So to disrupt a sacred peace thus joined? 
Curst is the deed for your sakes ! Ye in sorrow 
Shall bear that weight all the days of your lives ! 

Levi. Father, we are not careful to observe 
Thy reverence, where a higher duty claims 
Upon us, that the mark of infamy. 
Such foul dishonor stuck upon our front. 
Be cleansed, and cleared our stain. For they themselves 
Drew their own hurt, with base dishonor done 
And rape of virgin, taking stain of crime 
Unnatural, inhospitable done. 
From whence indignity and sister's shame. 

Chorus. Fair in its end, though oft with doubt 
Hath closed this day, wherein was seen 
God's trial of his chosen found. 
With Heavenly endurance upheld 
Of wisdom high, that sore hath visited 
Discomfit and fierce vengeance on his foes; 
But on his people hath allotted thence 
Favor, and recompense for insult high 
Upon them presumed, 
With release from sore affliction. 



224 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 



JEPHTHA SACRIFICING. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Jephtha, for his vow at setting forth to the conquest 
of the Ammonites, is constrained to offer his daughter in 
sacrifice. He consents, though not willingly, to the 
offering; but is openly opposed in this by his wife and 
secretly by others ; yet, convinced that this is of God, he 
perseveres in his purpose to offer his daughter in 
sacrifice : Which accomplished, the drama concludes. 

THE PERSONS. 

JEPHTHA. 

Miriam, daughter to Jephtha. 

Mara, his wife. 

Chorus of elders of Mizpeh. 

Messenger. 

Servant. 

The Scene -.—Before the house of Jephtha, in Mizpeh. 

Jephtha. With certain feet and happy resolution 
At length I come, in this ancestral spot, 
Home to my country and my father's house. 
pleasant thoughts, that swarming rush upon me. 
Of youthful years distressful, which have changed, 
In man's maturer life, to other purpose. 
Befitting well my birth of lineage high 
And this high mission happily achieved ; J 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 225 

Whence happier store of future I presage, 
Thus glad returned, ancestral house and home ! 
With other hopes I left ye, other mind, 
Who, thrust from home inhospitably, went 
Wandering that barren region, where of old 
Israel wandered; thither then compelled 
Into the desert, where I long sojourned 
With others of like sort, as head conjoined. 
Earning my bread by violence enforced 

Upon all travelers who passed that way 

The rich at least and proud ; the poorer sort 
I suffered to escape without annoy. 
Or, pined by drouth and hunger, I relieved. 
And to their need bestowed what I had reft, 
Adding what I from others had enforced, 
Happy to scape so quit. Nor all content 
With such inglorious life, who wont to feel 
Far otherwise in youth, with hopes inflamed 
To highest actions, no less in their reach 
Than freedom for my country, now oppressed 

By enemies, that us environed round 

Not thus as all content here then I stayed 

Till years were passed, and meditated much 

"V\^at also had my earlier years engaged 

To free my nation from a cruel yoke, 

But found no way, so sunk in bondage found 

And servitude, their fittest punishment 

Ingloriously who their True Strength forsook, 

Thus fallen away to brutish idols foul. 

Yet later came the lords of Mizpeh, pressed 

By the fierce Ammonite who claimed the land 

By ancient right secured, and threatened high 

To thrust them forth, as I by these compelled. 

Hence me they chose their leader, much dismayed. 

By dire compulsion, and confirmed their choice 

Before the altar in the sacred grove 

In presence of the oracle and priest 



226 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Also by God confirmed ; and from him given 

Victory sure, strength from on high vouchsafed 

Upon our enemy and fierce oppressor, 

To overcome his brute tyrannic power 

And rescue Israel from the Ammonite, 

That proud insulting foe, who dared presume 

Against the people of God, but soon discerned 

Far otherwise, in broken flight, dismayed. 

With all their power infringed. For, parting soon, 

I upon them dread execution wreaked 

For disregarded right and broken faith. 

Leaving them blank of joy and blank of boast, 

WTio in their arrogance had thus presumed 

To set themselves and gods over our own. 

And now, from victory turned, I come to claim 

That just desert to rule, my right assured 

By our dread lords pronounced, secure in peace, 

And long in this fair land secure to dwell, 

Of happiness assured, of peace, of joy. 

But one doubt yet remains, lest that rash vow 

Infatuate, which I took at setting forth. 

Some danger draw, or trouble, which my days 

Knew never until now. Yet why despair. 

Or waver ? Doubtless ill can not befall 

After such good received, fair premonition 

And flattery to my hope, thus fair achieved. 

But if the future aught of trouble hold. 

Or danger, which the time hath yet concealed, 

He who hath guided still my steps aright, 

Dispel it, as the darkness now the day. 

Choeus. Mighty the works of God, 
And marvelous his wondrous ways. 
Above the highest reach 
Of human thought to know ! 

Semi-chorus. Nor least, when came the river-dragon 
proud 
From Egypt after Israel, though sore tamed 



TAMAR AND QTHER POEMS 22^ 

By prodigies of portent, grievous signs 

Afflictive, which his spirit compelled; but he, 

Despite such wonders shown 

And wrath of God provoked. 

By whom himself proudly he durst compare, 

With rallied hopes perfidious elevate. 

Hardened his heart, more hardened as by thaw 

Obdurate ice, pursuing 

Them in his anger whom his promise gave 

To part in safety assured. 

But him the sea withstood, and mustering fierce 

On his embattled war. 

As in despite his feigned omnipotence, 

Swallowed him with his host. 

And whelmed them in its waves. 

Semi-choeus. Nor otherwise, when Israel fought of 
old 
In Joshua's conduct, and in sky stood still, 
Midway in heaven, the sun. 
And moon her wonted course adjourned. 
The voice of man commanding, till his foes 
Israel o'ercame. 

Semi-choeus. Nor less his power appeared, when 
Sisera's might. 
Presumptuous, fought to enslave 
God's people chosen, and his deity like despised ; 
But, joined in battle fierce, learned other thoughts 
And meaner hopes conceived, 
Safety and peace in flight, which death denied. 
Por him the stars of heaven in fight withstood. 
And Kishon's wave, that ancient river, rolled, 
Swallowed them, when from heaven 
Strange fire and direful hail and lightnings, mixed 
With blackness and with tempest, fiercely fell 
On that proud host confused, 
And as in anger consumed 
The fierce insulting foe, 



228 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Whom earth, opening her mouth, in aid devoured, 
And whelmed their war. 

Semi-chorus. Nor lastly Chemosh, Ammon's fear 
obscene, 
More dread or potent, 
When he fondly matched 

His fierce presumptuous might with Israel's God, 
Whose arm of power displayed 
Enforced hard vengeance. 
When the strength of Israel pierced 
Their utmost battle drawn ; 
Nor stayed, but spread the slaughtering pestilence 
And the consuming sickness of the land, 
Till twenty cities of their country, chief 
Daughters esteemed, and prime, 
Erom Aroer to Mirinith's frontier plains. 
Beneath the avenging force of war's dread stroke 
Bowed captive, or, worse fate, ascended all 
In flame and smoke to heaven. 

Semi-chorus. Thee, Jephtha, then I praise, ■uncon- 
querable. 
Mightiest, our first of men, 
Whose prowest deeds performed. 
Not less than thy prevailing argument, 
In that sore battle quelled the Ammonite 
With flight or death. 
Whence Minnith mourns. 
And Aroer, with all that region round, 
The battle's rued attempt and dire event, 
That cost so many of their chiefest sons. 
And quelled their pride. 

Semi-choeus. Where shall I first extol 
Thy deeds and matchless might ? 
The wonder of thy nation, and the boast. 
When on the Ammonite, our dreaded enemy. 
Confusion fell and horrible dismay. 
Erst undismayed, now reft, surprised, amazed. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 229 

When, as the lightning glimpse, 

Under thy conduct Mizpeh's sons thrust forth 

In fierce pursuing bands 

Upon his dreadless ranks and broken war. 

Chokus. Yet softly; for behold where yonder comes 
One as with grief surcharged and fraught with woe, 
O'erburdened sore ; for such his mien infers 
Depressed and sad. 

Whence in his look appears, fallen, and damp, 
Some recent grief, perhaps ; or what portends 
Sorrow at this glad time, when all rejoice ? 

Seevant. Companions to this house, for such infer 
Both your attendance and regardful mien. 
Say if ye aught by sight or word have gained. 
If gone from hence, or stayed, or harboring near. 
Of both my master and 3^our friend, great Jephtha? 

Choeus. Nothing we know in aught, by accident 
Obtained, or purpose ; hither only come 
To greet our champion, wondering much to learn 
Him gone we hoped to find. But now relate 
Why with inquiry anxious thus thou comest 
Asking of us, whom like intent hath brought? 

Seevant. Ah, friends, if truly told what grief I bear, 
I fear lest evil words may wound too deep. 

Choeus. Set forth thy tidings, whatsoever gained, 
Since grief withheld more pains than what imparted, 

Seevant. Look not for happy tidings, deemed no 
doubt. 
Sequel of victory, as might beseem 
Glad issue of success in fair event; 
Eather expect to hear the heaviest evil, 
The most with grief, most sorrowful, that ever 
Could have befallen us — nor else importing 
Than harm of him by whom we stand, our champion 
And first of men. For now great Jephtha, come 
Home to his father^s house, secure of joy. 
And wished-for welcome waiting, passed the doors, 



230 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And scarcely yet had passed them, when behold 

A horror ! she, his daughter, first in view, 

A bevy of fair maids accompanying 

In dance, with charming song and chiming harp, 

Met in the doors him entering, to greet 

Her father's loved return. But he that sight 

Far otherwise received, in pallid fear. 

Stricken with terror. Backward he recoiled. 

And bowed and groaning shook, as bows and shakes 

The forest oak with tempest; then essayed, 

Sore tossed with grief, and thrice in vain, to speak. 

And thrice, despite of manly shame, burst forth 

In tears and sighs — at last gained utterance thus : 

Alas, my daughter, thou hast brought me low. 

And sore with grief hast troubled. I have sworn 

To God ; that fated vow may not recall. 

Though it import no less than death to thee, 

To me destruction, in thy loss destroyed. 

But she returned : As thou hast sworn, perform : 

Behold me. For thy honor and thy vow 

Gladly I die, so offered ; since to me 

To die is as to live, for that dear sake 

By which I now am living. Horror first 

And horrid silence fell at what might mean. 

With sorrow new and sudden grief so strange, 

A speech so strange vouched with reply so strange ; 

But no long silence ; for that direful vow. 

All unremembered but for this event. 

One spoke, with look askance, as much afraid; 

And soon from mouth to mouth the rumor ran. 

Yet ventured none aloud. Her maidens then, 

Scarce from surprise revived, gave signs of grief. 

But them she checked with gentle voice, and bade 

None for her weep ; and all who thronged the place 

Spoke cheerfully to, both menial in the house. 

Or free without, nor aught in face or voice 

Gave sign of sorrow ; only last withdrew 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 231 

Into a diamber to await command, 
Her father's ordering. N'either Jephtlia stayed. 
Thus desperate with grief and quite deject; 
But, rushing out of doors, sought only surcease 
Of pain, in thoughts divided, sore distressed. 
The saddest sight, most sorrowful, that ever 
Man saw, most pitiful ; nor since was seen 
By any ; whence my mission to discern 
His place and posture, whether, thus distraught, 
He seek some violent way. But how shall end 
This direful day, or how fall out the event, 
'None may surmise, and all despair to think. 

Choeus. Doubtful the ways of man. 
And doubtfully his life ordained. 
Though still with graces eminently given, 
Perfections high adorned, 
Created fair, conformity divine. 
For upon him God's purpose high appears 
To good, as oft, yet soon, with heavier hand 
And altered face, his weightier doom he sends, 
With no respect, as seems, 
To sufferings past grievous endured. 
Or heavier yet inflictions. 

Oft with distresses dire, or poverty. 
Ambition's curb, depressed. 
And maladies of grievous kinds. 
Joint-racking agonies, or torturing qualms 
Afflictive, wasting pestilence 
And slaughtering famine, all consuming ills. 
Till life is worse pronounced than death, that comes 
The cure of all life's evil, and the balm. 

If these escaped, perhaps by dire afflictions, 
Within him or without, man's life oppressed; 
Fell hate of kind, or worse ingratitude. 
Fiercer than body's ill. 
Madness of secret mind, presumption fond 
Drawing the direful wrath of God, 



232 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

All fiercest accidents 

Which on man's spirits prey and inmost mind, 

That life no less a bnrdenoiis freight becomes, 
Till death, a glad relief, alike reprieves. 

Yet some, ordained, by high election chosen 
And solemn choice, escape 
Those grievoTis ills of being, 
Remote from all the anxious cares of life, 
Tnlfilled with bliss. 

l^ot therefore praised as wholly good, or banned 
As wholly ill, this mortal lot; the end. 
Doubtful, of all determines. 

But see ! for yonder, sought in haste. 
Great Jephtha comes, as much depressed with grief 
xA.nd spent with sorrow; now, in halt, 
Stands like a blasted pine, by thunder scathed, 
Its beauty withered : hither bends 
His steps, as toward us bound; with honor due 
Prepare forthwith to receive him. 

Jephtha. I heard the sound of voices, which the 
sense 
Of hearing, gross with grief, denied to know. 

Chorus. Let us approach. Jephtha, our country's 
boast, 
ISTot mindless of thy sorrow are we met 
By thy unlocked approach, if aught in words 
To solace and console thee ; or if deeds, 
Apt to thy malady, we may bring forth. 
Thy comfort deemed, our office better found. 

Jephtha. Ye see, comrades, what a net of ills 
Hath closed me round; and, what my worst affliction, 
Myself have drawn, myself the ruin caused. 
Who but myself, in heedless arrogance. 
Thus impiously and weakly hath brought on me 
Both my own sorrow and my household's ruin ? 
How shall I more look up, or lift my head, 
Who have shipwracked on pride and high presumption, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 233 

Thus heedless, wrecked my hopes whereon I built 

My glory and great honor to my name, 

And lastly drawn derision of my foes? 

How shall not all who hear pronounce me punished 

Justly for that presumption which asserted 

Myself secure of future, and thence ruined 

My fair desert? How ill b.ecomes me now 

That honor high, to have received salute 

Of judge in Israel ! More will all approve 

The just reward (0 folly !) of my weakness. 

And on my name merited curses heap 

With obloquy, 3^et rightly to my shame. 

Chorus. Despair not, Jephtha; greater cause have 
all, 
And disposition like, to ease thy burden. 
Who from the fiery Ammonite delivered them 
And raised them up once more to be a nation. 
Though near destroyed — no less a mighty champion, 
And worthy no less fame and high desert 
Than all who erst, in siege or foughten field. 
Have borne the honor great and name of judge, 
Barak and Othniel, Gideon, famous found. 
Not then entire deject. Perhaps a way 
Shall still be found, though now thou deeply liest 
In much despair (and reason, as thou seest) 
Eightly to do thy vow, and still preserve 
Thy daughter to thy life inviolate. 

Jephtha. Urge me not thus. That way impiety 
And hate toward Heaven, with judgment worse pro- 
nounced. 
The oath I swore, though rash, infatuate, 
I will perform, as reason is, obepng 
Heaven^s purpose manifest to punish justly 
My weak presumptuous sin, that sought my honor 
Only, not Heaven^s. Other to attempt 
Would not escape my guilt, nor slacken aught 
What solemn contract binds to offer up 



234 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

In sacrifice my daughter — rather draw 
No less a greater stroke on me, and her. 
Whose dearest loss I monrn, not more reprieve. 

Chokus. Consider, Jephtha, that in evil case 
Thou stand this day, either to sacrifice 
Thy daughter, which thy strictest vow enjoins, 
Abhorred by all who hear, and thus thyself 
(j^o less !) expose to calumny and hate. 
The people's wrath ; or else thou must forego 
That predetermined oath and vow engaged. 
With recompense upon thy head returned. 
The will of Heaven. Reckon the greater evil. 
To spill thy daughter's blood, which Heaven forbids. 
Or else forego what thou to Heaven engaged'st, 
Unratified by counsel or by wisdom. 
Hence thou hast need all circumspection use. 
And we no less choice in advice; for so 
On what thou dost this day, or undone leavest. 
The weight of all and all thy hope depend*. 

Jephtha. I cannot, friends, deny that strictest vow, 
Fondly engaged, and to my harm fulfilled ; 
Nor can I deem, thought all deplore the loss. 
That any will oppose my weak attempt 
To its fulfilling, sad though deemed and hard, 
Questioning thus my right of father had 
To do what with my own my right assures. 
But how shall I suffice thus to perform, 
Or how again but to behold her face 
Endure, with joy and rapture so oft beheld? 
Whose hand but mine, or whose permissive will. 
Shall destroy in her my own life, not deemed 
Thus given to be destroyed ? But right compels, 
And justice, what I must, though loath, perform. 

Chorus. Thy daughter is thy daughter, and thy 
right 
Thy right ; do therefore with her as thou wilt. 
None questions here thy pow;er, and least do we; 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 235 

But pondered if some better way found out 

Both to fulfil and to escape thy vow 

Grievous engaged, yet in thy power to do. 

Sore it must be and hard, I bear thee witness, 

To lose her fairest — since the sons of earth 

Saw the daughters of men that they were fair, 

None fairer; neither in the common way 

Of death deplored, as by the will of Heaven 

Removed, and mourned, but still the stain escaped 

Of blood, which on thy hands if used must show 

Kot guiltless; nor thy loss pronounced alone, 

Her death, but deemed the woeful fee of grief 

Common to us and all who here inhabit. 

And how art thou of courage found enough 

To do this deed, the death of thy own child, 

Horrid to hear, more horrible to see. 

Much more, performed by thee, her source and head? 

Jephtha. Alas, those lofty hopes, to have achieved 
Honor in Israel and name assured, 
God's mighty champion missioned. 
Thus put on highest purpose. 
And now in part performed 
As sealed with hoped success. 
Yet now on me such trial hard ordained 
As on those evil found! 
A barren honor in a barren gripe, 
No after issue of my loins to spring 
Succeeding, if this now repenting hand 

Destroy my issue sole and single hope, 

Cut off as never known, 

And to life's preying ills 

All aidless thus designed ! which damps indeed 

My fainting life depressed. 

Why was that choice of head and captain laid 
On me, not seeking, and assurance given 
Of victory upon my enemies, 
As though a gift desirable bestowed ! 



236 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Yet now, alas, forsaken 

By God, abandoned, afflicted. 

That yoke of woe, which I had reft 

From off my nation, 

I now must feel. 

Who for my one default 

Shall thus pay on that forfeit bad, adjudged 

To my own act perverse; 

Whence faintings of despair. 

And swoonings of the spirit overcome 

By fear of Heaven's defection. 

Chorus. Thy woes afflictive bring into my mind 
How others famous else have like endured 
Calamity; great Abraham first, 
Most like to thee in trial, but his faith 
Him saved; and others, patient Job 
Thus memorable, who bore the utmost stroke 
Of fortune ill; undaunted Gideon, 
Though him ingratitude from those he freed^ 
At Succoth and the tower of Penuel, 
Oppressed, and death of kindred. 

Yet these through grievous woes deliverance won, 
Or faith delivered; whence like hopeful lot 
For thee my presage, tested thus 
By worst afflictions tried. 

The high intent of Heaven to prove what means 
He for himself ordains. 
And rightly chosen thence, if haply found 
Fit for his mighty purpose. 

But now I see draw nigh. 
With altered face disordered 
And garb as discomposed, 
The wonted signs of woe, thy wife, 
Whose purpose here intends ; upon her brow 
A cloud of sorrow hangs, and in her look 
Xot found submission meek, as like resigned 
With thee in purpose; but, if I aread 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 237 

Signs of regard aright, far opposite 
Found to thy vow performed ; consider well 
How here thy purpose thou holdest. 

Maea. With grief of heart and sorrow have I come, 
Jephtha, to hear from thy own mouth what thou 
Intend'st on her, our daughter; since report 
Avers that for thy vow infatuate 
Thou wilt exact in recompense her life 
And us bereave our hope — not in my thoughts 
That thou couldst thus determine, who hast held 
Ever, and holdest still, thy daughter dear. 
Deny this rumor then, as right and meet. 
And us relieve from grief, which but to think 
Compels my spirit, doubtless thus as thine. 
But after question made, thus plain express, 
Why keep'st thou silence guarded and constrained; 
And why do these bend thus their asking look 
Only on thee, or stand with sorrowed mien. 
Gazing upon each other without speech? 

Jephtha. Would I could thus deny, and quite annul 
Purpose of me supposed ! How gladly rather 
Would I lay down this life, quite spent with grief. 
If by that laying down hers were reprieved ! 
But this can not avail, nor could our prayers. 
Weak as our breath breathed forth against the wind; 
Since truth and faith and vow engaged compel me 
To do what yet in doing I abhor. 

Maka. Then, if thou her shalt not enough regard, 
Regard thy wife, even me, who suing come 
To thee for mercy, whom the ties of love 
Constrain to hear, and to consider well 
What so thou doest, ere too late achieved 
Thy own destruction, and thy lasting shame 
Surely esteemed, with hate of all drawn on thee. 
Who hear thy deed. Should not my prayers avail, 
Who brought her forth in pangs and travail sore 
Whom so thou slayest? Harden not thy heart 



238 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Against my prayers, nor disregard my tears. 
Which here thou seest, but esteem thy wife, 
And grant this only to her proffered wish 
Whom thou hast still professed loved and endeared. 

Jephtha. Not as unwrought by sorrow I refused, 
And still refuse, entreaty, though refusal 
Found hard, and doubly hard that purpose found; 
For with myself I war, and half my heart 
Aids thee, against my will. Yet I not well 
Become myself or this authority 
But late on me bestowed, if I should leave 
To do what purposed right, with fond and partial 
Feeling swayed thus, who should by judgment rule, 
Not weakly by affection be overcome. 
Or feeling, which with judgment have no place. 
Hence, as before my plea, I still must plead 
Necessity and truth and faith engaged. 
Which thus compel me to a deed esteemed 
Evil perhaps by thee, desirable 
Not to myself, who still, though loath, must do. 

Maea. I see the natural ties, that wont to bind, 
In thee are slack, but those may still be found 
That stronglier bind, authority, opinion 
Of others, the compulsive force that governs 
Even him who rules. Me mayest thou disregard 
As weak, and her, whom love should teach regard; 
But popular will expressed and commonalty 
Of thought in deeds put forth may well constrain thee 
To some regard. Bethink thy office new, 
In which the state of order settled yet 
But little, with regard but little grown 
And new authority, may little stead 
To succor or avail thee, once aroused 
The people, who esteem thy daughter well ; 
Against their force stands not authority ; 
That bond may break in use, and weakly leave thee 
Exposed to wrath of those who now revere. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 239 

Easily is the people overcome 
By change against its idol, if too far 
Presumption carried — thou no less in danger, 
They in the present need and circumstance 
Unmanageable, ungovernable, unquenchable. 

Jephtha. I like esteem thy threats, thus idly vented, 
Of people's vengeance wreaked, as once I weighed 
Thy tears, of value less are they accounted. 
Me they deter not, though its utmost wrath 
The people wakes, my purpose once assured. 
But other bonds there are thou hast not mentioned 
Of honor, faith, obedience, religion, 
And duty; these constrain, or should, much more 
Than nature's, oft proved false. These still compel 
Me to my vow performed ; nor shall I slack 
"What bands on me constrain — so only find 
All bands that bind relaxed, and that true fear, 
WHiereon stands government, no longer found. 
This is true government, where they who rule 
Serve whom they rule, and each one rules himself 
By serving all; which is the highest good. 
Desist thy purpose then, and me relieve 
Prom importunity, which only worsens 
What pain I feel. Though yet, despite of that. 
Or what worse may be felt, I shall perform. 
And to the score exact, my vow secured. 

Maea. Speak not of truth and faith, if still that mind 
Thou boldest, to deprive thy daughter life. 
That vow presumptuous sworn. Por how can faith 
Or truth impel thee on, or vow enforce thee. 
To do what law forbids ? That great command. 
Do thou no murder, how shalt thou escape. 
If thou perform what God forbids express ? 
What monster art thou, what enormity 
Of man, what rather worse than brutish beast, 
!N'ot man, if thy unfaithful faith impel thee 
Basely to profit by thy daughter's death, 



240 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Like him the heathen feign devoured his children? 
How shalt thou stand to all posterity 
Defamed and pointed for a heinous crime 
Inhuman, base pronounced; not less thy name 
Than Cain's abhorred, who for his bloody deed 
Heard the stern curse of God on him pronounced: 
Thy hr other's Mood cries to me from the ground 
For vengeance. Nor less thine than his the stain 
Of hateful murder, odious to all time. 

Jephtha. Forbear thy words, nor further thus pro- 
voke 
Sorrow, already now enough provoked. 
For should I, as I do, melt at thy grief 
And sore affliction, what could that avail, 

Or succor? Wrong sufficient have I done, 

Nor would a greater add; for so should I 
Not only not escape, nor her dear life 
Reprieve, with faith and strictest vow profaned 
Thus impiously and weakly, but meet worse 
Destruction, daughter of a broken oath. 

Maea. Thou durst not, thus against the laws of 
nature 
And laws of God, offer thy daughter's life 
In base fulfilment of thy heinous vow 
Fond, rash, infatuate, so but to add 
The greater sin, thus in religion's name 
To do what still by God express forbid. 
Except some madness fierce had seized thy mind. 
Or worse depravity, which my intent 
Shall be to master or defeat, preventing 
This basest of all deeds, abominable. 
Detestable, and gross, though thou to cloak 
Thy wickedness adorn'st it with the name 
Of honor, faith, obedience, religion. 

Jephtha. That way destruction lies, to gloze and 
smooth 
The laws of God to our especial need, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 241 

Made only in uprightness and in truth. 

So, by fullilling some and some denying 

Fulfilment, to draw guilt of all commands 

Left and neglected, as thou now beholdest 

In Israel, where God is not revered. 

But Baal and Ashtoreth receive his honor 

Whose strength Israel upholds; yet they, perverse, 

Worship the works of their own hands in wood 

And stone. Shall I weakly obey the flesh 

That cries against this vow, or God consider. 

Thus in that vow revered, or, worse than those 

Wlio only Baal adore, and Ashtoreth, 

The work only of men, worship myself 

And corrupt flesh, thus full of lusts and sins ? 

The greater sin than yet in Israel known. 

Mara. I saw how still thy circling pretence closed 
In feigned religion, smooth hypocrisy, 
The wont of all who plead necessity 
To basest deeds, and in that error do 
Evil that good may come; but find instead 
That evil follows evil, offspring bad 
Of parent ill, nor in its course disjoins 
Or lessens, rather but increases still 
The sum of evil found. Yet this thy plea, 
Though wrong, but thou deprav'st it with the name 
Of justice, truth, and right, so to escape 
Shame on thyself of deeds by thee performed. 
To please thy God thou dost it, that his glory 
And praise may grow ! But know zeal for thy God 
Consumes thy house ; and Moloch is thy God, 
That grisly monster, Ammon's vile pollution, 
"V\Tiose horrid sacrifice of human blood. 
Performed with timbrels loud, and parents' tears. 
Whose children pass through fire, hath still provoked 
Their ill who offer thus, and like the wrath 
Of Israel's God, whom mercy rather pleases, 
And care for life, by him bestowed, not thence 



242 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Lightly or easily, as thus, bereft. 
Or dost thou then esteem thyself a god 
To give or take away, as good appears, 
The life thou gavest not? A base presumption, 
An impious pretence, which thy words aver, 
Yet more thy act, if thou, as I shall doubt, 
Wilt venture to the utmost of thy vow. 
Let mercy rather sway thee; and consider 
That promises thus made in wanton mind. 
Heedless and careless, do not firm constrain, 
But worthily are broken, and no blame 
Attached to him whose error fondly passed 
WTiat better wisdom breaks. Let this assure. 
And thou the rather spare thy daughter's life 
Thou gav'st not, nor should take ; and thus redeem 
Thee from destruction, where thy purpose tends. 
And me from grief relieve, who wretched plead. 

Jephtha. Thou neither dost compel me by re- 
proaches, 
Nor by thy tears persuade, that I should leave 
My purpose, which I still have firmly held, 
Despite what yet of weight thou bor'st against; 
Eather the more confirmed, the more I see 
What argument thou choosest to oppose 
My will, though sad, now fixed. Desist thy task 
To alter, or subvert, or undermine 
My fast determination not to yield, 
But still perform, that all in Israel 
May see that some still rather choose to do 
Eight, though against desire, and still approve 
To honor God, whom most have still dishonored 
And disobeyed. Forbear thy purpose, then; 
Thy labor is but lost, which now thou usest. 

Mara. In all disputes with men the woman still 
Obtains the worse, how fair her argument. 

Jephtha. But not for lack of breath or stiff per- 
sistence 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 243 

In purpose; let this present instance witness. 

Maea. Wilt thou then still perform, as now aver- 
ring? 

Jephtha. No less esteem; since plain by God en- 
joined. 

Mara. Bethink thyself; this may invite thy ruin. 

Jephtha. Bethink myself? my sense of justice 
rather 
And mind's approval, conscience, duty, reason ! 
Canst thou esteem me so by grief compelled, 
As honor to desert and inward peace. 
Thus to excuse myself from task found irksome ? 
So to betray the trust by God enjoined 
Of judge in Israel called, whose oflBce given 
Should rather me persuade to disregard 
All claims of kindred, all the wonted bonds 
Of friendship and affection, than abuse 
The power I have, what but to prostitute 
My sacred honor basely to desire. 
Mine or another's? No; my mind is fixed. 
And all my powers are settled and assured 
To do this deed, and to oppose thy plea 
Thus partial, shallow, specious, irreligious, 
Savoring of fear to man ; which if I hear. 
How should I not obey the voice of man, 
God's disregarded, and he like despised, 
Dishonored, and displeased? Which thus I will not. 

Mara. I thought to win thee from thyself, and gain 
Advantage to her good. But now I find 
That thou as dear esteem'st thy dastard life 
As hers thou boldest cheap. Yet if avail 
Community of life and neighborhood. 
Or if the natural ties that join mankind 
Shall in this region bide, thou may'st not yet 
Exult entirely, nor I all despair; 
Which now I go to prove, and think to find 
Others, who no degree or nearness trace 



244 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Of blood related, or afiinity, 

More faithful to those ties that birth begets 

Than thou, who thus despisest nature's bond. 

Choeus. Despair not thus entire deliverance, 
Jephtha ; 
But rather think that G-od will find some way. 
Accordant with his purpose, to reprieve 
The sad intent thou hast, coUeaguing so 
Mercy with justice joined, if thou prove faithful 
And hold out firm, until enough performed 
To show thy faith sufficient and obedience 
Amply expressed. Doubtless this favor high 
God will vouchsafe at need, and free thee quite 
From the fond vow thou mad'st, thus unadvised, 
With grievous end. Perhaps thy daughter's life 
God will redeem, as once was Abraham's son's, 
After this trial of thy faith, though sore, 
And testing hard; be thou of equal trust. 

Jephtha. By miracle he may; yet not presumed 
Interposition thus will be vouchsafed. 
As once to Abraham was, who sacrificed 
His son to God, obeying that command. 
Though hard and difficult; but faith delivered 
And wrought escape unthought. Yet not to me 
That mercy, since in me no faithfulness 
Was found, or firm regard for truth, but lightness 
Of soul impelled, and odious disrespect 
Of law and right; this other found excuse 
And vindication, since his trial had 
And tested fortitude proved him sincere 
To do the will of God, who him approved 
And blest. But me no like desert shall find. 
Since I myself provoked what loss I feel 
Already, though in apprehension only ; 
Which I shall not escape, even fulfilled, 

Chorus. Consider, Jephtha, that in times past God 
Hath for his people wonders wrought; what now 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 245 

Forbids belief? His power and might we know 
Are limitless, and still his purpose holds 
To good, as ever, on his chosen people, 
Of whom thee not the least I now account, 
Not therefore last to be esteemed and honored 
By God, who hath his gracious favor given 
To thee, his servant great and judge ordained. 
That special honor shown thee warrants well 
Expectancy and hope ; nor shouldst thou waver. 
Or faint, that God will to thy special honor 
And in thy special need deliverance send; 
Which would be to deny and doubt his power, 
Or blaspheme with despite his goodness still. 
The Holy One of Israel and our God. 

Jephtha. Not thus to me my anxious mind por- 
tends. 
Though gladly hope would here subscribe belief. 
The miracles thou mentionest wrought of old 
Were for obedience, duty, faith, submission, 
Not for unthinking disregard of God, 
Denial of his right; and usurpation 
In his great stead. No ; I have sinned away 
That grace, and now thus fond musj: never hope 
Deliverance or relief; hopeless my evils. 
Remediless, beyond all thought of cure. 
Only remains that I repent sincere 
My error and my crime, that have provoked 
Justly thus punishment, and God absolve 
(What can I less with right regard and truth?) 
From blame and from dispraise, which all to me 
Belong; to me, sole cause of all my ills. 

Choeus. I cannot like thy thoughts, to limit thus 
God's mercy or his power, deemed by some 
Traitorous to him perhaps, distasteful, faithless. 
Impious and disloyal ; but to thee 
Accord thy right of thought, attributing 
All to thy faith sincere, and to thy conscience 



246 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Leave thee, to blame or to approve. But still 
One doubt remains, if in thy single right 
And of thy sole impulsion to perform 
Deed so untoward well deemed. Perhaps the people, 
Ever ungoverned, unmanageable, heady. 
And most where use and custom thought infringed, 
Will not conform, or suffer here thy mind. 
So strange esteemed. How wilt thou then come off, 
A.lone against them raging and provoked? 
Perhaps some direful vengeance they may take 
On thee, or quite in wrath defeat thy purpose 
Once known, which well thy wife by this hath opened, 
On thee, presumed to have aroused just ire 
Of Heaven., and God's law impiously abused. 
Thus fond. Bethink thee then whereon thou stand. 
Jephtha. I held no purpose to consider greatly 
Others' opinion, had with like regard 
Despised both people's wrath and tried prevention. 
My counsel once made sure. Where duty bids. 
The good little esteem the weight attaching 
To censure or approval, satisfied 
With what deemed right performed. What then should 

I 
Apprehend aught their censure or reproach. 
Or worse, if worse be tried, thus armed alike 
With innocence and purity intended 
Put on, though deemed perverse? Which this great 

office 
Might, if need were, and public service done, 
Excuse or palliate, perhaps, in me 
What so in others not. But who so wise, J 

Counselled, discreet, principled, reasoned, wary, ' 

As not advice regards, oft meets the ill 
Which he would most avoid. The mind of man 
Is ever prone to error, found no less 
Fallible than human. N"or would I assert 
Myself above my right, though here no question 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 247 

Esteemed, debate. But lest a doubt remain 

Either of my due right or valid oath, 

I will abroad unto the lords, and seek 

Whether, as now employs some minds in doubt, 

Authority thus hold of father's right 

And duty; thence, assured, not much need fear 

What men shall do or say, intent thus right. 

Chorus. Doubtful the works of God 
And doubtfully his ways ordained. 
Allotting oft contrary in his purpose 
To what of right esteemed ; 
Esteemed by man, whose blinded counsel sees 
Not wisely the event or purpose aimed; 
Thence often sore perplexed, with doubts confused 
And fear of good o'ercome, 
Yet in the end discerned what justice high 
Guides all to good and benefit of man. 

God had not else, except with taint of sin, 
Not consonant with his high will decreed 
And purity avowed. 
Permitted this heroic Gileadite, 
Against our law express and God's declared. 
To take his daughter's life. 
Except that bond of strictest vow 
Secured his faith, constrained 
To serve some purpose best and highest end ; 
Though yet may he avert. 
If in his mighty purpose 
And counsel high ordained. 
Such trial from his servant 
And champion chosen express; 
Though, if he else decree, 
His providence shall vindicate his name. ^ 

But see ! for yonder comes with tranquil step 
Great Jephtha's daughter, beauteous well pronounced, 
Fairest of woman born. 
Though beauty last in her be seen. 



248 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Of soul all lieavenly seeming, 

Honor in her looks expressed, love in her mien, 

Submissive, meek, and pure, 

In every gesture dignity and peace ; 

By me and by all others justly shown 

The best of daughters living. 

MiEiAM. Elders and men of Mizpeh, I am come 
Thus hastily, against what held perhaps 
Custom and use in woman, unattended. 
Because by some averred, and to me brought. 
That counsel given, or influence, to prevent 
Fulfilment of that vow by God enjoined 
Upon my father ; which my purpose holds 
To accomplish, and from him all peril draw 
From whom I have to live, so to discharge 
Only my debt, as meet, and nature's bond. 

Choeus. Thy purpose well thy duteous love declares 
And courage beyond thought in thee expressed 
More than belief to woman's fear accords, 
And custom. But perhaps, since not accomplished, 
Averted yet that cruel lot, by me. 
As by all others, justly held abhorred. 
And now in time thou com'st to share with us 
What hope we have of favorable import 
With good success to see thy free deliverance. 
For with thy mother's asking wrought in counsel, 
Thy father now is parted to the lords, 
To find if any hope remain perhaps 
To set thee free, and yet regard his vow 
That claimed thy offering. If these favorably 
Advise to thy release (what can they else?) 
Undoubtedly he will relent, and leave 
His purpose, grievous, yet by him accounted 
Compulsive. Hence no more thy thoughts afflict 
With fear of death, but rather summon hope 
(Hope still remains, that still remains to all) 
Hope of thy safety, of deliverance, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 249 

In which all we, as fits, participate. 

Miriam. Thy words are not ungrateful, and accord 
With pleasant thoughts, yet reckoned prophecy 
Untrue ; since thoughts of life to me are sweet, 
That life with manifold delights by me 
Once hoped, with husband's love and children's given, 
Nuptial endearment sweet, enjoyment fair 
Bestowed; not hated, then, the life I leave. 
Left willingly for whose dear sake I spare 
All this of life, and life itself forego. 
That he may well fulfill God's purpose high 
In him expressed, and I his will in me ; 
My one desire and counsel sole approved. 

Chorus. Desire of life, and therewith life's delight, 
Which every soul constrains, and therefore thee. 
Thou canst forego, and rather dare to choose 
Death, if to save thy honor. But perhaps 
Thy honor not involved in this, as deemed. 
Despair not utterly thy life confessed 
To thee endeared, nor quite forego all hope 
Of safety 3^et secured. Others have stood 
In like ill case, and yet the worst escaped. 
Through God's great sufferance for the faith of man; 
Perhaps by miracle he may deliver 
Thy life, and thee preserve, as Abraham's son 
Once to his sire preserved, whom firm obedience 
Delivered from the stain of crime performed, 
His son's destruction, and at last reprieved 
With blood of victim given. Despair not thou. 

Miriam. He can, I grant, perform as thou main* 
tain'st. 
To doubt which well were folly, or inquire; 
His power, by frequent miracles averred. 
Commanded nurture in the wilderness 
For Israel wandering, so to spare their lives 
And his high glory augment, his purpose great; 
Manna from heaven rained down, and water gushed 



250 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

From the dry rock; which mighty wonders shown, 

With others more, attested well that path 

By flights of angels ministrant attended. 

No question then of his omnipotence, 

But his intent in this, if I shall scape 

The death adjudged, or that strict vow fulfil. 

Yet whether thns or no, I am resigned 

To what by Heaven allotted; nor in this 

Folly to God impute, nor blame to man ; 

'None to myself, so I shall well endure 

To bear his will in me performed, my purpose 

And one intent. No other aim I seek 

Than to fulfil God's purpose and intent 

In me vouchsafed. Lying or dying, I serve 

His will who me ordained — if to this end. 

The end is fair, and fair by me approved. 

Chorus. If God ordain his purpose high in this. 
Question not thou his counsel. But perhaps 
( Since mutuable the ways and minds of men, 
Erroneous oft, where right is most presumed) 
God's counsel not in this. What if his purpose 
Have not ordained this trial, but some error 
Misleads thy father thus to his destruction 
And thy fond ruin — suffered thus to bear • 

Awhile, to test his wisdom that now bears 
Office of God on earth? Or some fell madness, \ 

Upon the wariest as full oft hath seized, '] 

Delusive, vain, possess thy father's mind ^ 

Given o'er to folly? Then not well approved \ 

His purpose or thy fond obedience found, 
If he, belike through sin or unaware 
Of his own deed, wreak thus upon his child 
Some great enormity of crime, iniquity 
Monstrous and horrid, not to be permitted 
By those who have in charge the public good, 
Thy good, as others ! Here then be advised, 
And well consider what thou here shouldst do 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 251 

Or suffer; since upon what thou determin'st 
Perhaps his welfare and thy life depend. 

MiKiAM. Thy thoughts are plausible, yet not con- 
vince ; 
For God will not permit his servant chosen, 
And high ordained, through sin impious to fall. 
Or fall through error, which would question well 
His deity or wisdom to permit 
Iniquity, or not avert. Those evil. 
And they who purpose ill, are oft deluded 
And given to error, that they may accomplish 
Their own desert and doom. The good not so. 
But guarded by his grace who them approves. 
!N'ot error then, or sin, or fond delusion. 
Be mentioned here, but only God's high purpose 
Himself to honor, and his servant prove 
How faithful — I the lowly instrument 
To manifest his will and honor high. 
At least by his permissive will hath come 
What now hath come; nor shall my wisdom deem. 
Thus fallible, to question his intent 
And ordered purpose; wise are all his ways. 

Chorus. Bethink thee what of pain in death thou 
feelest, 
Xor thyself only, but thy mother, wrought 
With woe, while here she stood, and much distressed; 
Thy father, too, after his vow performed. 
Will miss thee, and deplore, if not repent. 
His rash, infatuate deed, only too late. 
The present still is thine in which to work 
Deliverance for thyself and them and all 
From stain of crime, from sorrow, from affliction. 
Consider then what means thou usest here 
To work thy safe release and that of all. 

Miriam. Dishonorably myself should I esteem, 
If, wrought by pain or dread, I should herein 
Waver weakly for parents' love, or tears, 



252 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Or aught more dear esteemed — so to escape 
Death, a less ill, the greater ruin invoked 
Upon myself and them; thence justly punished 
By direful stroke of wrath, tortured the more 
By sense of weak apostacy from right, 
Knowing my duty, but I did it not. 
For death is not the greatest ill, nor pain, 
l^or to the virtuous mind brings greatest fear; 
But to approve the best, and thence pursue 
"Weakly the worst, is perfect misery, 
Both to behold and to endure ; thence not 
By me to be beheld, or worse, endured. 

Chorus. Yet stay ; for now thy mother comes, 
A train accompanying; whose purpose here. 
If friendly or adverse, still undetermined, 
Since not in look or act declared: Though what 
Intended the event will soon disclose. 

Maea. With purposed resolution have I come, 
Daughter, with these thou seest, thy comrades dear, 
To win thee to thy good, and to persuade 
What nearly to thy safe concern pertains. 
That from thy father's purpose, to thee known. 
Thou may^st escape, and quite redeem thy life 
Thus from destruction, that now threatens thee. 
And me no less in thy dear loss destroyed. 
For in thee lives my life, and by that bond 
Part of myself I feel thee and thee own 
My dearest loss ; nor ever will remove 
The smart I feel, thou parting, and the pain. 
What hinders, then, since now all things conspire, 
The place, thy father absent, these thy friends. 
And opportune occasion, to redeem thee 
From death, and us relieve, who anguish feel 
Not less than thine; which thine is now to ease. 

MiEiAM. Thou may^st not thus persuade me to thy; 
mind 
Against what just and right by me esteemed, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 253 

Contrary to God's will and his divulged, 

My father's; whom this act would give defiance, 

And like in me compel from truth and goodness 

What counsel I have held. Not thus by me 

Shall that strict vow be thwarted, though deemed hard 

And sad; my purpose otherwise is fixed. 

If by the life thou thns wouldst save (yet vainly 

"Would'st thou attempt the trial now) I may 

Avail perhaps to save my father's vow. 

From this declared intent seek not to draw me. 

Maea. Consider, daughter, that none here disputes 
The rashness of that vow, sworn impiously 
And hence not binding — ^least of all on thee 
Who didst not then consent ; that false engagement 
On thee can have no power, nor compel thee 
Against thy life ; better such promise broken, 
That against God's due law and man's conflicts, 
Thus kept, with end so direful ; and perhaps 
Some trial of thy father's faith designed 
By God it may appear; or else, since thus 
To reason opposed, some madness urges on 
Thy father to this deed; from whence on thee 
Can be no right in honor and obedience 
To him, thus seized with error, and perverse ; 
But rather right and reason both conjoin 
That thou defeat thy father's purpose, deemed 
Madness, or worse impiety, and him 
Relieve from stain of guilt for vow performed. 

Miriam Thou dost not yet avail to move my purpose 
Of faith and firm obedience to my God 
And to my father; nor wilt thou o'erbear. 
More than thou now o'erbearest, that I leave 
My firm determination not to yield. 
Or seek to save my life, thus jeopardized 
For him to wnom my life is owed, my father 



254 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And head. Desist as useless, then, thy purpose. 

Mara. A father's right thou mentionest, but thou 
feel'st not 
What place in thee thy mother has. Shall I, 
Who bore thee with sore pains, not find thy duty^ 
Also appear to me, as to thy father? 
Not his entire thy duty and thy love, 
But also mine, where now thou disregardest 
To me duty and love, where most is owed. 
Let tender love to me constrain thee, then, 
That to my asking thou be not opposed, 
But yield my due, as right, approving thus 
The debt to me thou owest, as nature bids. 

Miriam. N'ot that I love thee not, nor lack the bonds 
That nature draws, have I refused thy asking; 
But duty and respect, more valid plea 
And more on me constraining, have compelled me 
Hither to this purpose. God and nature bid 
That I, who to my father owe my life, 
For him should yield it, when occasion bids, 
As now. Not then through disobedience drawn, 
Or lacking in regard to thee, adjudge me, 
That thus I still refuse thee, though still loath. 

Mara. Bethink thee here ; that way thy ruin lies. 

Miriam. Yet still I persevere in this, as right. 

Mara. Then, if persuasion win thee not, let win thee 
What more avails, compulsion, since to reason 
Thy ear is closed. Thou seest my company 
Assembled to o'erbear, if thou opposed. 
As now thou hast. If thus thou wilt refuse 
To save thy life, when opportunity 
Invites, as now, if life thus cheap be held 
By thee, but not by us now hither come, 
Some means are here to save thee from thyself 
To us against thy will, our present purpose 
Not to be overborne or now gainsaid. 

Miriam. If reverence for authority avail. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 255 

Or aught respect and right regard for law, 
Ye will desist your purpose, thus avowed 
And now presumed, against mj will declared 
Thus purposed; or if these, as seems, avail not, 
Perhaps against your purpose may oppose 
Aught stronger than ye have, of more persuasion. 
Since force o'er force prevails, when reason not. 
For these who present stand, my father's comrades 
And friends, will not, I think, withhold their aid, 
As not before, nor their obedience now. 
Most needed; whom I here appeal to save 
This wrong to law presumed thus violate. 

Chorus. Withhold thy purpose here; nor thus 
enforce 
Against authority, but better learn 
Respect to those that rule, as right, obeying 
Thy husband, as in all things, like in this. 

Mara. I thought to gain my purpose, but have 
failed. 
Due to thy folly that refused my aid 
Thus offered, against what deemed reasonable; 
And reason is in all, yet not in thee. 
But thou wouldst die ; die, then, if thou prefer 
Death to thy life. And thou in this art found 
Like daughter to like father, obstinate 
In purpose fond. Yet think not I shall bid 
Farewell, or mourn thee ; rather disavow 
As of my kin one so pernicious found 
To her destruction ; whom my disregard 
Shall visit, not my curse, found thus unworthy 
All notice, thus insensate, rash, and fond. 

Chorus. Thrice happy he, with love of offspring 
given, 
Founded in nature, pure. 
Informed with goodliness, with honor due 
Bestowed to parents, which most honor is. 
Inclined to virtue, 



256 TAMAR AND OTHER POEM§ 

Faithful, to good submiss; 

Him happy thus, thrice blest, grief may not bend 

With sorrow down, nor pain consume his life, 

Thus anguished, blasted, lamentable, dread, 

But death shall gently pluck 

In ripe old age mature. 

But whom ungrateful children curse, to ill 
Inclined, to mischief bent, 
Honoring not good, irreverent, arrogant, 
Of duty scant, thrice miserable he, 
Loveless and unendeared, thus desolate, 
Unhappy, vexed, importuned 
With grief, to sorrow devote. 

Thus pierced with inward thorns, by ruin whelmed 
In crude old age oppressed; 
For they will do him evil, and not good, 
All the days of his life. 

But stay; for now thy father comes 
With steps not light, yet firm in look, 
As who resolved on right, 
Though painful; whom the less to grieve 
Do thou receive assured; while we no less 
Assay to lighten what he bears of grief. 

Jephtha. I have, although their judge, besought 
the lords 
Wherever found by search, or chanced upon. 
To express opinion of my deed, this offering; 
'Not that I aught misdoubted my intent, 
But only to confirm belief I had 
In this by God compelled, by him constrained. 
Kone much opposed I found, and most approved, 
Averring that, since now the vow engaged. 
Only offence to God must be entailed 
If I from this great entering now draw back. 
Impious and fond, thus thwart to his great purpose ;' 
From which inferred that sole impiety, 
Sole disobedience, could prevent thy offering, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 257 

Though sore to me, distasteful and abhorrent. 
For though sons yet to me were born, and more 
Daughters besides, yet dearest loss of thee 
Would never from me, such the pain I feel, 
Thou parting; nor that sorrow ever ceased; 
Since joy without thee found were found no joy. 
Thence hither am I come, not much in hope 
Or heart to seek thee whom I here now find, 
Not gladly, but with sorrow rather felt, 
To do, although upon this purpose fixed 
Steadfastly, what I yet shall most abhor. 

MiKiAM. Nor find'st thou me unready, unprepared. 
Father, from whom I spring, and trust to show 
My deeds approve that boast. Farewells are said 
Sufficient, since in them no solace found, 
But sorrow felt and uttermost distress. 
And nothing now remains but to be offered. 
Thy surety, which for thee I glad endure. 

Jephtha. Delay; while hence I part and see 
prepared 
All needful things, and summon all my house 
And all my kindred, that the deed performed 
All vouch, and own by me discharged entire 
That compact hard, which yet I must accomplish. 

Chorus. Thou seest the hour approaching nearly 
now. 
That brings thy last of life ; and what for thee 
In comfort or in counsel may we offer 
To ease thy burdenous load, or lighten aught 
The weight of all thy sorrow, and the pain? 

MiEiAM. happy days, which I must never see. 
Thus from the purlieus of glad life exiled. 
Untimely, unprepared ! Never must I 
Behold the life I thought, nor see my years 
Lengthening in peace, begirt with issue dear. 
Brave sons and goodly daughters, whom I hoped 
To bear and rear, and in them in live my life; 



258 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

But I must die untimely in my youth 
For whom I most would live, both to enjoy 
And by them be enjoyed, my parents dear. 

Chorus. Parents are used to spare all for their 
children, 
The course of nature bid, to gain increase; 
Thou for thy parents bent to give thy utmost^ 
Made needful to redeem thy father^s vow. 

Miriam. thoughts, which I again must never hold, 
Of life, sweet in itself, but doubly so. 
Endeared with love of kindred, and with love 
Destined of husband blest and children dear ! 
Me not old age, after full length of days 
Fulfilled with honor, love, and life's delight, 
Shall. pluck, nor I mature fall in the lap 
Of earth, the common mother of us all; 
N'o home, nor friendly household hearth, where I 
May sit with reverence girt, with peace, with joy, 
Must be my lot, but I in life's fair spring 
Shall go to joyless death, and bid farewell 
To life and life's delight, now doubly dear. 
Thee, lastly, spousal bed, whereon I ne'er 
May lie, nor ever know nuptial embrace, 
But childless I shall die; nor ever feel 
The tread of infant feet upon my breast, 
Nor the sweet pain of childbirth ; but shall die 
Unwed; nor ever know that hope fulfilled. 
Mother in Israel from whom should spring 
That Saviour, who shall set his people free. 

Chorus. Give not to utter woe, but well bethink thee 
That in good case thou diest, not honored less, 
But more esteemed and reverenced, though thy years 
Reached the full span of life ; by all accounted 
Among those faithful women who have cherished 
Their country's welfare deemed above their own. 
And name thou hast secure, not less renowned 
Than Ruth or Deborah, famous to lall time. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 259 

But yonder now for all due rites performed 
Thy father comes, a train accompanying 
Of all our choice esteemed, the best and prime, 
To do thy rites meet reverence, as befits. 

Jephtha. With tardy feet and lagging resolution, 
Daughter, I come, to do what still remains. 
Thy sacrifice, which I would gladlier stead 
With my own life. But that could not avail. 
Or benefit, but only worse draw down 
The vengeful ire of Heaven ; thought, if prayers 
Would aught avert, I long ere this had won 
Eeprieve for thee, for me a glad release 
Of what in apprehension felt till now, 
Yet now in sad reality soon known. 
But come ; for now the hour precise arrives 
To offer thee, if now God's purpose hold 
Thus toward thy sacrifice ; or, if he will 
Interposition, to prevent thy offering 
Such means will not be wanting, but at hand. 

Choeus. Delay; since I perceive thy wife, as bent 
On haste, this way approaching; for her coming 
Defer departure, till her purpose gained. 

Mara. With altered purpose, Jephtha, have I come. 
Though sorrowing much, nor longer will oppose 
Thy sad determination, sad to me 
As to thyself. Bitter reproaches hard 
Have I heaped on thee, which I now abjure. 
And now withdraw that curse, then much enforced 
By mother's love, and much compelled with thoughts 
Then held so direful. Yet not me expect 
To attend the deed; thus far my spirit can. 
But no more ; to behold my daughter's death 
Would draw my own — no benefit esteemed 
To her or me — and doubly thee bereave, 
In this enough bereaved. Here will I take 
Farewell, daughter, of thee, whom I had hopes 
One day to see espoused, and worthily, 



26o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

And offspring born to thee, also my joy; 
Fond hopes, alas, conceived, without fruition, 
Destined to end in empty expectation; 
For now thou art espoused to barren death. 

Miriam. Thy flattering hopes with cause I also 
shared, 
But must no more. Farewells by me are said, 
Except to thee, which now the last I bid; 
For I shall shortly go that way, whence I 
Ne'er shall return, and be with them that rest. 
But come ; let us no more delay ; for me 
To die is as to live, since God's high will 
Demands that sacrifice. Though life be sweet, 
And hath delights, yet this delight is chief. 
That God shall find fulfilled in thee express 
His purpose predecreed, thou thine in me. 
Living or dying, then, that thou obey 
Him, as I thee, esteem the greatest good 
And best, and in us both, as now, fulfilled. 

Jephtha. Elders and friends, farewell. Your com- 
pany 
I will not ask, but wish your presence here 
Upon this place. Comfort and cheer my wife 
With what of comfort is ; speak her but fair 
And reasonably, if need of speech be found 
For solace given. Bitter hath been this day, 
And grievous ; the event remains with God. 

Chorus. Wise he, who from above 
Hath wisdom given him well to moderate 
His soul, and reason guide ! Him not, perplexed 
And drawn from right and path of fairest truth 
By folly, from wisdom enticed. 
Shall ruin chance unthought, nor on his steps 
Unfeared destruction light; 
ISTot found confused, but smooth 
His way to virtue, thus escaped 
His own ruin invoked. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 261 

With sight internal clear. 

And from presumption fond. 

The grossest ill that walks, escaped secure. 

But whom delusion and folly have possessed, 
Thus drawn to evil counsel 
And wrought to ruin depraved, 
Incautious, fond, insensate, 

"With darkness internal struck 

What voyage but must needs result in wrack, 
With folly, ruin's steersmate, at the helm? 

For me, may I not pass with impious foot 
The sacred bounds ordained 
Which God of old had set to right; 
Ne'er may transgression's net enclose my steps 
Pound in forbidden place abjured; 
Nor let my due feet fail 
From wisdom's studious paths ; 
So shall I scape o'erweening pride. 
That works confusion dire 
And each best thing perverts to basest use. 

So let not God impute his servant folly. 
The mirror of his state and imaged might; 
Eather his labors view calamitous. 
And turn his toils to hopeful end. 

But yonder now approaches, as in haste. 
Who can relate what tidings we have wished, 
As present on that place; 
For thus his look infers. 
From question cleared; and tidings borne 
Speak in his face assured before disclosed. 
Say therefore freely on; but first pronounce 
If glad or sorrowful the news thou bringest. 

Messengee. Both glad and sorrowful; the former 
more. 

Chorus. Set forth then what thou hast in full rela- 
tion. 
While we attend; thou seest our thirst to know. 



262 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Messengee. Desire constrained me from that 
spectacle 
Not to be absent, though dejecting much 
To see so mournful sight, our mighty champion 
Submitted to such trial, and his daughter, 
Our prize of beauty and goodness well esteemed. 
Seized by so violent death. With others more 
That solemn moved in stately troop, I came. 
Captains and counsellors, lords, ladies, held 
Our choice in honor and the flower, not only 
Of Mizpeh, but this neighboring region round 
(So wide the rumor sad by this had spread). 
Who flocked to see, not idly, nor as curious, 
But to assure respect and sympathy 
For both whom love of all in this possessed. 
The place was open plain, where all might see, 
Whatever sort attended, great and high 
In office, or found lesser, civil freedmen 
Gathered from town and city nigh, or menial 
Of service found, whom love of these constrained 
To this sad spectacle and solemn rite. 
Within the open space an altar stood. 
Of random stones upreared, virgin of use, 
With needful things prepared for sacrifice. 
Thither was Miriam brought, and thither came 
Her father, Jephtha, while with solemn mien 
And reverent action ranged the lords around, 
That with their presence dignified the scene ; 
Behind these next the crowd, rank beyond rank 
In ordered circles drawn. Before the altar 
Great Jephtha stood, with hands uplift, and prayed : 
If this to God displeasing, be some sign 
To warn vouchsafed, or other victim given, 
To purge my sin for vow if unperformed. 
Then to his daughter turned : Dear daughter, thou 
Pardon this deed I do ; nor on me charge 
What guilt, if any, that I take thy life. 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 263 

Whereat, with eyes uplift, as one who prayed, 

She answered: Freely I forgive thee, father, 

Who, as in all things, doest only right 

In this; far from thee be all thought of blame. 

This said, he kissed his daughter, and with tears 

Fondly embraced, much won that she could choose 

To bear all things for his dear sake, even death. 

'Not she him less returned, and also wept, 

T^ot sorrowful, but smiling as with joy; 

Then thus resumed : Let not my limbs be bound, 

!N"or bind my eyes, but let me freely go. 

Thus seeing all, and seen, because I die 

Freely, father, for thee, for whom to die 

Is joy, not pain; nor any blame be charged 

For this to thee or me, nor punishment. 

So saying, she stepped before the altar, and stood 

With upward eyes in prayer ; then turned unmoved. 

In firm composure fixed, unpaled with ill, 

Awaiting what her sire might next perform. 

And darts of pity from all eyes received 

Into her sight of those who mourning gazed, 

Compassioning her end. And forthwith he, 

The knife in hand upraised, beside her stept; 

What after chanced I knew, but not relate; 

But knew her father's oath not unfulfilled. 

The assembly soon dispersed; nor Jephtha stayed 

After his vow performed, but parted straight; 

And now approaches yonder to this place. 

Jephtha. Elders and men of Mizpeh, not by me 
Recital needs of what but late performed, 
Since now perceived that tidings to you came. 
Before my presence, of what seemly done, 
Both well pronounced and fair ; and God in this 
Honored, as in all else ; nor of me questioned 
On whom all blame alights But that is past; 
Only remains that God's great will be wrought 
In all else that remains, as done in this 



264 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

By me, with patience armed and faith to bear 
Whatever lot, and strong with fortitude 
Not weakly to relax what powers I have, 
But still exert for honor to his name. 
Who will with strength uphold and me enable, 
My purpose hence and counsel sole assured. 

Chorus. Doubtful and dark the ways of God, 
And undiscerned his high intent; 
Evil to men appearing oft ; 
Yet in the close agreeing well 
With his great purpose ; whence, though mourned, 
His servants wise his works pronounce, 
And fair, befitting his great end. 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 265 



TAMAR. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Tamar, daughter to David, forced by her half- 
brother, Amnon, is visited by Absalom, her brother, who 
endeavors to persuade her that she join with him in 
revenge upon her wronger. She refuses, and Absalom^ 
departs, after ambiguous words of comfort. She is 
next visited by maiden friends, who make the chorus. 
They tell her of some rumor that she is to wed Amnon ; 
and soon endeavor to dissuade her. Next enters her 
mother, Maacha, who tries yet more strongly to dissuade 
her daughter from the marriage; but fails; and, after 
bitter reproaches, departs. Her brother next returns 
with her father, David. Absalom upbraids his father 
for slackness in punishing Tamar's wronger; they 
quarrel; at last Absalom apparently submits to his 
father's purpose that Tamar shall wed Amnon. David 
then departs, with Tamar, to arrange for the marriage. 
Amnon then comes to reproch Absalom for the rumor 
of Amnon's marriage with Tamar. Absalom at first is 
angry; but later seems to reconcile himself to his 
brother, whom he invites to the shearers' feast provided 
at Baal-hazor. They depart together for the feast. 
David and Tamar then return in search of Amnon; 
are informed by the chorus of the brothers' departure 
to the feast. David mistrusts ill; and determines to 
send a messenger to Baal-hazor. He is prevented by 
one entering, who relates the manner of Amnon's death. 
David mourns for his sons; is comforted; and at last 
departs to bury Amnon: which concludes the drama. 



266 3:AMAR and other POEMS 



THE PERSONS. 
Tamab. 

David, father to Tamar. 
Maacha^ her mother. 
Absalom, brother to Tamar. 
Amjs^on, her half-brother. 
Messengek. 
Chokus. 

The Scene: — tlie Icing's palace in Jerusalem, 

Tamae. that the act of evil with its deed 
Might in the surcease end! Or that the doer 
Should all the burden bear, nor once disload, 
By others thence misborne the deed's sad weight! 
Then had I not been thus exiled to grief, 
Where none regards me, none hath any care, 
"Whatever my state were known. sad, sad, sad. 
Sorrow unending, never to hope again ! 
And time, that steals the smart from every wound, 
Swages not this. For to the body's ill 
Some opiate syrup, oil of precious cure. 
Or virtuous balm to medicine we find; 
But for the spirit's ailment vain we .search 
Relief, in tincture nor in ointment found. 
Yet why do I complain, or show my griefs 
That will not by disburdening lighten aught. 
But by their tale increase — without all hope, 
"Where even wisdom is not proof to bear, 
i^nd knowledge is no comfort? Whence I hold 
That constant mind, most resolute, but weak. 
With ineffectual error which bewails 
The evil whose firm cure it cannot find: 
A patience, wherein Heaven our minds would school, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 267 

Which bids with open plainness, if but we 
Fit lesson take : Love not this mortal life 
Overmuch, uncertain still how short or long, 
Short at the longest ; nor with error live 
As to thyself alone; the rest is Heaven's. 
But who is this ? for now I hear the steps 
Of rougher feet hasting this way their tread; 
Perhaps my sometime comrades, come in scorn, 
With seeming friendliness, their practise oft 
And wonted pretence that insult me more. 

Absalom. What voice was that? my sister? my lost 
sister ! 
Poor hapless bird, caught in how foul a snare ! 

Tamae. The way thou cam'st I knew ; and know thed 
now 
Friendly ; and perhaps with friendly purpose brought. 

Absalom. Dextrous thy aim ; and therefore take my; 
mind. 
For I have that in purpose that shall call 
Thy color's wasted flower and build again 
The body, the soul's temple, that not thence 
Thou shouldst repine thy beauty, somewhat lacked; 
Grief -cankering sorrow hath from o3 thy cheek 
Stolen the fresh dew of youth. But fear no more ; 
For what thou lost thou hence no more shalt miss. 

Tamae. The cure is still but physical thou hast. 
They think but of the body, still the body. 

Canst thou not medicine the fevered mind 

Opiate, or syrup, tincture, balm that may 
Purge and disperse the sieging malady 
That shakes the aguish heart, and bring again 
The hues of health to the distempered spirit? 
What signify the outward shows of health, 
The color and the odor and the form 
That painted beauty at a touch puts on, 
If these but mask, as dying roses' hues 
That brighten as they die and fall ere night. 



268 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

The inward canker that consumes the mind? 

Absalom. Grief hath a business but to know itself, 
Not find a remedy. 

Tamae. Still my heart's wound. 
For, since my fair hopes blasted, virgin peace 
Thus wrecked, how do I still but mourn my state 
Distressed, deflowered, and ruined? Who beside, 
So sore entreated, but would think escape 
From scorn's stretched finger, from the doubtful eye 
Of friendship slackened, forward once, now cold 
And tempered with disdain? The loves I had, 
The reverence, honors, companies of friends, 
I must not look for — ^but instead receive 
Reproach and insult, whips of shame, sharp scorns 
Unspoken, yet more bitter, the award 
Of shame deserved ; and these from whom I most 
Other deserved, my comrades, chamber-friends 
And nearest in my bosom. 

Absalom. Public woe 
Outgalls the private sorrow. 

Tamar. Though indeed 
!N"ot from the general have I received 
Slackened regard, but still the use obtain 
That royal daughters have, yet soon were lost 
And fallen to neglect, if once were shown 
My ruined state that cloaks me thus with shame 
Which makes me in the crowd more solitary 
Than solitude itself. Whence, if our hope 
Aim at deliverance from this irksome chain 
Which now I wear, behooves all heed employ 
With circumspection to our motioned acts, 
Lest we but medicine the worse our wound. 
And like some ill ph3^sician, whose intent 
Works to unskillful issue, harm the hurt 
Which he would heal. But to thy thoughts proposed. 

Absalom. Wouldst thou be quit of thy so great con- 
tempt 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 269 

That thrusts so near thy honor, dear as life? 

Tamae. The state I have is not so pleasurable, 
So fraught with joy, that I should think to keep it. 

Absalom. List then, and closely; for I have those 
words 
That are not spoken to the general air. 

Tamae. If thou hast aught concerns me that I hear, 
Say freely on. I cannot know of worse. 

Absalom. Hast thou forgotten thy dear loss of 
honor. 
That robbed thee of thy name, despoiled thy virtue ? 

Tamae. I cannot think but that such things have 
been, 
And are no more ; which is my chief affliction. 
That suffers not my thoughts in sleep to rest. 

Absalom. And what hath he deserved, who wrought 
thy wrong. 
But death, but grievous death for grievous wrong? 
What answer needed have his deeds given voice. 
And silence speaks itself in thy consent. 

Tamae. Hath he deserved but death, but only death ? 

Absalom. What stain of infamy, foul blot, dishonor. 
Contempt, neglect, what hatred must we bear, 
If we neglect occasion, which now offers 
To heal our ruin, in his ruin healed? 

Tamae. The punishment is greater than the sin. 

Absalom. The sin is greater than all punishment. 

Tamae. But shows there not some nobler way than so 
To pay my wronger in so baser metal 
Than his own coin? 

Absalom. What hast thou desired? 
Or what hath dulled thy appetite to taste 
Revenge, thus sweet? If ye let slip the time, 
Which offers now, ye have no suretied future 
Of how to apter purpose could be done. 

Tamae. Yet hear me; though to reason contrary 
And thwart to maiden diffidence I speak. 



270 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Though, he hath wronged me, him would I not wrong; 
Though he doth love me not, him do I love. 

Absalom. Thou hast love then, aSection, weak 
desire 
Toward him who wrought thy ruin, sought thee, found 

thee. 
Pleading those rights a brother wont possess, 
Enticed thee to thy hurt, then rudely robbed thee 
Of all thy virgin treasure, maiden peace. 
And thrust thee forth ridiculous, despised! 

Tamae. I loathe him, yet I love him — if to my 
shame. 
Then to my shame, who loathe, yet love, myself. 

Absalom. Bethink thee; that way lies thy lasting 
scorn. 

Tamar. Still, though it stand thus, that way must it 
stand. 

Absalom. Thou hast a slow mind and a quick-paced 
heart ! 

Tamae. I cannot, brother, so contrive reproach, 
As thou of late threw^st forth; but feel no less 
Distaste and ill disgust that thou couldst worsen 
What now alreadv worst. How could avail 
To compass now his ruin, work his death ? 
What malice would be silenced, what sharp tongues 
Dulled and restrained? Should not my ill-fame rather 
Walk further on the tongues of men, my name, 
With malediction mentioned and gross stain 
Scorned and defiled, tread upon every lip? 
Pour water, and not oil, upon the fire 
Which thou wouldst quench. Do that which reason 

favors 
To lessen the great shame I bear, not worsen, 
By ill attempts, what now already worst. 

Absalom. I did not hold my sister so to lack, 
Or wanting in the rudiments of virtue. 
As to neglect and lose what offered chance 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 27; 

To wipe her infamy and rase the stain » 

Upon her name thus fixed ; for virtue, truth. 

Honor, regard of men alike enjoin 

What to thy name and fame recovered tend. 

But since thou art minded so to gloss and smooth 

Thy distained honor, though not wisely deemed 

The sought occasion slipped to thy revenge, 

I shall assay what may be done, what motioned 

Thus toward thy good, as here thou hast esteemed^ 

I shall entice him, work him, put him on 

To make some reparation, fit return 

Suitable to thy wrong, as with persuasion 

May cease our ills, and work our free deliverance 

With name and fame recovered to thy state. 

Tamar. Nor else, except with greater shame^ were 
done. 

Absalom. And this I do, misliking thy intent^ 
As trivial, nor worth notice, but still done 
That somewhat may recover thy sad plight; 
And thy unwish compels me that I work 
As best for thee I may, not as I might; 
For man may wiselier move in little things 
Than at a stand in great; as here may chance. 
Thou, the meantime, be calm and leave to me 
What ordered purpose may perhaps obtain 
Some satisfaction to thy offered wrong 
As may avail to close all mouths, and cease 
Upbraiding tongues that scandal thus thy name. 
Be patient then, and healing hopes admit. 

Chorus. There, there is she ! softly draw nigh ! 
Break not thus harsh in upon her! 
Lest more her thoughts disordered, in sad plight 
Rufiled but worse, as through our uncouth haste 
With lack of reverence due and honor meet 
Shown to her hapless state, 
Thus worn with ruin, deflowered. 
Her we approach, whom rightlier now befits 



2rj2 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

To watch with, tenderest care and tendance given 
Toward her, thus abject from her wonted state. 
Overwhelmed with grief, and burdened. 

Or do my eyes mistake? and is it she. 
In honor once who stood, in reverence, virtue, 
Pointed with all regard, esteemed our choice 
In favor once and pride? 
Yet abject now, deflowered, 
Her maiden sweet thus rifled, virgin store, 
That worse than death her lot, though once she stood 
With cherished nurture tended, fairest hope, 
Select in choice, esteemed 
The flower of pride and beauty. 

Where shall I first bewail 
Thy lot and saddest plight, 

Sorrow on sorrow, held the top of grief 

For thee, who wont so lofty in estate. 

Thus high in life ordained. 

Esteemed secure of ill. 

As fortune had for thee her dearest pledge engaged. 

Her nursling, her desire, her choice delight ? 

Yet abject now and whebned, 

Reduced beneath contempt, 

Hopeless of future, humbled thus, and reft 

Prom hopes of good, by cruel pains possessed 

And torment, that thus visit near thy heart. 

mirror of man's mortal lot. 
Unchallenged since recorded time, 
Thus from the top of honor, 
Fairest of fortune born. 
To abject sink of extreme misery fallen ! 
For them I reckon highest in estate. 
Of virtue still possessed, of good, of peace, 
Which higher than the accident of birth, 
Esteem, or honor raises, wealth, or place, 
Or the turning sphere of fortune. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 273 

Tamae. Your coming, friends, is kindly, tlioiigh it 
wake 
Some sore remembrance of what state I have; 
As wounds that once have closed, yet to the touch 
Upon the cicatrice though kindly placed. 
Soreness unthought disclose, unwonted pains. 
But think not that offense I feel if ye 
Thus touch upon my sore, since harm unmeant; 
And friendship's coin runs not so current now. 
As once. For now from those, who have my state, 
I take not that regardful heed I had. 
Before my sorrow, from their friendship deemed 
Counterfeit now and base, since now it rings 
Thus falsely to my need. Whence of you thought 
Unwonted favor that with notice now 
Not looked for ye are come — perhaps with news 
!N"ot hoped, though still desired: Since, thus with- 
drawn, 
Thrown somewhat in neglect, I lack to know 
What happens new ; fame seldom finds me out. 

Chorus. Some rumor or report, though whether true 
Or false it run, of aid to cure thy state. 
Unhoped for now possessed, hath brought us here. 

Tamar. That rumor say; thou seest my thirst to 
know. 

Chorus. Report now speaks that thou with him shalt 
wed, 
Amnon, thy injurer, who would now atone 
With satisfaction for thy heavy wrongs. 

Tamar. And where the house from which that rumor 
walks ? 

Chorus. Unowned, unparented, it runs; for fame. 
Though double-faced and double-mouthed, proceeds 
From nothing, and in nothing of test ends. 
As here, most like ; for what hast thou but hate, 
Contempt, and contumely, and fierce scorn 



274 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Toward him who wronged thee, robbed thee, quite 

despoiled 
Thee of thy fame, thy honor, and thy life? 
But tell Tis, as in saddest plight some cure 
Perhaps to thy sore wound, the full recital 
Of thy so grievous hurt ; which not to us 
So well is known, as with complete desire 
May satisfy what thirst we have to learn. 

Tamak. The mention of the sorrows we have passed 
Is their chief pang ; as present witness vouches. 

Chorus. But hast thou not some fiercer word to 

curse 

Blistering the tongue, blasting the hearing ear 

Thy ravisher, the ruiner of thy peace, 

Who wrought on thee that grossest wrong, iniquity 

Monstrous and horrid, held in all men's sight 

The supreme ill, most hurtful, grievous, harmful, 

The most with misery that thy life might bear? 

Or means thy silence, though it show not plausible. 

Some love, affection, or at least not hate. 

Toward him who wrecked thee, spoiled thy virgin peace, 

And hath neglected thee, despised, contemned thee, 

Presuming on thy silence, thus abashed 

And fallen with neglect? If thou canst this, 

Abominable, detested, gross and vile. 

Thou hast a heart that shows not woman's wont. 

Tamae. Think not I hate him, though I speak of 
him. 
If he could motion to my good, or move 
Such honorable marriage with me joined 
As might redeem my honor, cleanse my stain, 
I could forego what purpose I have held 
To join no marriage, nor be wrought to it. 
If he will seek me not, nor me esteem 
In honorable wedlock thus to join. 
Think not with other I would wed, nor bring 
Shame and not fame, hate and not love to him 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 275 

Who else might wed me. No; my mind is fixed; 
Either with him to wed, or live my life 
Lonely, disprized, unloved, contemned, as known 
Eeft and ashamed before my enemies. 

Chorus. To the first offer thou must make thy sale, 
And be not over-nice, nor stand; since thou 
Art not for every market. Though I hold 
Thou showest not wise in purpose thus to join 
In nuptials thence distasteful him who wronged thee. 
Thy ravisher, thy miner, thy destroyer. 

Tamae. Or thus, or no, to me far wiselier shows 
By covering act to hide my shame, with him 
In wedlock joined, than thus endure the lot 
1 now possess, distressful, evil, vile, 
Or by the loud report of his remove, 
As at my hands, or with connival joined, 
To wake yet noisier memory of my shame. 
That shall with wider rumor walk the world, 
To my still lasting scorn from tongueless time. 
Which would but worsen every way my lot 
And more distress my state, herein quite lost; 
For still a woman's honor is her life, 
Her fairest treasure, held her dearest jewel, 
Whose loss, as most immediate, not replaced. 

Chorus. Thou seemest fast in purpose, fixed in 
thoughts 
To work thy rash misdoing to thy harm. 
Yoking thus with thy wronger wedlock base. 
Who hath despised thee, hated thee, contemned thee, 
Put on thee much contempt. But others are. 
Who may perhaps with more persuasion move, 
Raise in thee better mind, some wiser motion. 
Than what thou here hast vented to thy hurt. 

Tamar. Not otherwise, except with shame, were 
done. 

Chorus. For see ! this way thy mother steers, 
With hasty steps and features disarrayed. 



276 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

The signs of evident woe. 

As when a timorous bird, distressed, 

Whose tender young a serpent fierce hath seized, 

Faces her scaly foe, 

Despite the terror of his folds. 

His potent mouth wide-gaped, or threatening charm. 

Whence now bethink thee, as in doubtful plight. 

What weightier converse thou vdth her must join. 

With wise approval gained. 

If here thy purpose thou boldest. 

Maacha. With hopes of some wished benefit to thee, 
Daughter, I come; for rumor now gives out 
That thou with him wilt join, who wrecked thy peace 
And left thee thus distained, slight, miserable. 
Thus covered with contempt. For how could love 
(The noblest action still that moves the mind) 
And amity toward him now hold, where hate 
And fierce desire of vengeance, mixed with scorn, 
With wrath and contumely and contempt, 
Much more should hold ? Deny this rumor then, 
As most is fit, and me relieve from grief 
The illest that I might with misery bear. 
The state is tolerable that now thou hast, 
If thou assure not to thyself more woe. 

Tamae. I know not how such baseless rumor hold 
And sort with truth; but if some wiser mind 
He entertain of offered satisfaction 
Had for his evil deed, which thus my name 
Shall raise to wonted honor, not so deem 
But that I shall, as happier turn of fortune. 
Embrace his ofier, go with him along 
In marriage, as my hopeful solace deemed. 
Thus grateful cheered, with all things so supplied. 
That longer what I lost I may not miss. 

Maacha. Sometimes our helps become our hin- 
drances. 
The kindly virtue, that thou still hast known. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 27;^ 

The gentleness, forbearance, that adorn 
The noble mind, if urged too far, permit 
Excess and error in themselves, neglect 
Their proper mean and measure, as in thee. 
The kindness, that thon hast, shows now a sin, 
And shall become a snare, to catch and wound 
The honor that thy fair name still hath borne. 

Tamak. Not kindly virtue, gentleness, forbearance, 
Which best themselves approve, are still themselves 
Their own excuse and warrant, and hence thus 
Which thou in me commendest, but bright honor. 
My blackened name to furbish, tarnished thus, 
Constrain me to that marriage I have sought. 
And let me not pretend a virtue still 
Which I possess not, or, if I possess. 
Is not my chief inducement to this choice. 
I need no more incentive than mere self, 
Than my advantage motioned, to accept 
What chance may offer to redeem my name 
And cleanse my honor from the stain of scorn. 

Maacha. Hast thou forgotten what indignities 
He set on thee, a virgin, when he forced thee 
With scandalous foul deed, to sate his lust? 
When in his chamber, suffering sickness feigned, 
He had all else without, pretending so 
Thy better ministering, while he but lay 
Couched in his coil, snakelike in act to spring, 
Safelier to sting thy honor, wound thy peace 
With poisonous tooth — that so hath scandaled thee 
By deed unholy, shameful, irreligious. 
And in our law condemned, and law of God, 
To death by stoning ! Whence thou long hast borne 
Universal contempt, the heaviest grief, 
The most with sorrow, that thy life might bear. 

Tamae. Yet hear me. Not that I would aught 
excuse 
His great transgression on me, but refute 



278 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

The scandals and the slander I have borne, 

Shall I approve this deed. For I must take 

Whatever means I may what still remains 

To save — my name and honor, virgin fame, 

Endangered now, which thence would quite be wrecked, 

If I with strict refusal should forego 

"What chance of safety offers. His high name 

And station may avail to give what state 

Such high condition gives. Whose disregard, 

With high disdained refusal thus reject, 

Would draw on me still greater scorn,* contempt. 

As thence refused thus idle, weak, and fond. 

Maacha. With him, a man despised, contemned, 
forsworn. 
Due in our law to death, to shameful death. 
To wed with him no wife of fame will deign. 

Tamae. ^ot of her own impulsion, but induced 

By thoughts of honor, reverence, regard 

Powerful persuaders — these might so constrain. 

Maacha. But joined with him what woman shame 
could scape? 

Tamae. Most men are bad, but differ in degree 
And sort of evil. In the best may show 
Some reprobative glimpses; in the worst 
Some spark struck out of goodness; as in him: 
The ferment of repentance works, though late. 

Maacha. Being once a wife, how should he not 
insult thee. 
Exult upon thee, scorn thee, hate, neglect thee ! 

Tamae, Yet this, though all thou sayest, or motioned 
worse, 
Were tolerable to that I now endure. 

Maacha. Wouldst thou, when he hath shown thee 
such despite. 
Enter his doors a wife, a despised wife ? 

Tamae. To salve my honor, could I better choose 
My choice than him, though brutish, bestial, lustful? 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 279 

Maacha. Yet hear me, daughter. And consider 
thence 
What thou in thy fond thoughts art motioning on, 
Which only to thy harm shall work, and move 
Yet more ill to thy state, in this enough 
By hurt endamaged. But, if not thy own, 
Account thy mother's good, who thence must feel 
What shame, what anguish, horror, what despite 
From scorn of friends, from foes' contempt, a burden 
Of woe far heavier than what now I bear. 
How may I lift my head, or once regard 
Who may behold me? who shall scorn me thence, 
Thy mother that could thus permit thy wrong, 
As wanting duty, slack in wont respect 
The careful mother to her daughter owes; 
That sorrow for thy sake I shall endure 
More grievous still — a sorrow but to think ! 

Tamar. Not that I lack in reverence to thee, mother. 
Or want that love, to parents wont deserved. 
Shall I refuse thee. But I now esteem 
That thou against thy own good here hast wrought, 
With opposition to my purpose aimed. 
I am not so to want, nor wisdom lack, 
As to forego what wished advantage thought, 
If he in marriage thus with me shall join ; 
Which best may heal my woes, and stop my griefs 
That now too loud complain. 'Not shalt thou question 
My wisdom, nor my wise discretion chide. 
After event, best umpire, shall allot 
Decision of my good, best here subserved. 

Maacha. With argument thou answerest, where 
respect 
Of duty more should prompt, and reverence wont, 
To parents owed, with other answer brought. 
Besides, if me thou not enough regard, 
Yet other ties on thee enforce, constraining 
Far other answer to thy purpose thought. 



28o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Thy father and thy brother yet remain^ 
Whom thou shouldst more consider, whose intent 
May thwart contrarily thy stubborn mind. 
Though were they minded still to motion here 
What I conceive thy harm, yet not for this, 
jSTor what may else be urged, shall I give o'er 
With wished consent to thy undoing wrought. 
If thou at this take sorrow or despite, 
Still to my mind I cleave, as thou to thine. 

Tamar. I cannot like thy fast determination 
Found opposite to what I purpose, mother. 
So fixed in constancy, that I despair 
To alter or divert. And what those else 
May urge, through ties of dear relation moved, 
Or charities of father, brother done. 
As I can alter not, I must endure. 
Besides, were they so minded, they could not 
With decency forbid what should be done 
To cancel my sore blot, indignity 
Yet worse than what by me already borne. 
Why should they, since themselves have nothing wrought 
My ai dance or relief, debar me thus 
That I in aught work out my free deliverance 
And solace, from the stain of shame escaped? 
If I herein shall err, as thou maintainest, 
I do it righteously, desiring so 
My good and that of all, as here subserved. 

Maacha. Thy purpose and thy words alike so 
strange. 
Thou almost mak'st me falter in my mind 
To hold thee in the like incontinence 
As his who forced thee, not unwilling found 

To such vile lust, such beastly appetence 

A partner, as a sharer, in the crime. 
Art thou my daughter? Have I still controlled 
Desire, which in thee mutines to such lust? 
What slips of virtue have I known, where fallen 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 281 

To gross debasement ? when with thoughts unchaste 
And lewd defiled my mind, that in thee lives 
A purpose thus to virtue thwart, to honor, 
Respect, discretion, decency, and duty? 

Tamae. Give o'er thy asking, still but tedious found, 
Unaiding, uneffectual, unavailing. 
That stirs but wrath, and shows thy gusty mind 
As is the sea unstable, still in storm; 
And leave me, thus tongue-battered, thus beset. 
With siege of words thus girded, to that solace,. 
Little at best, remains me, if at peace. 
Thou canst not have thy seeking, howe'er sought. 
I am the rock, and thou the raging sea 
That vainly beats; or surge to sure-set shore. 

Maacha. If lust may riot in a sister's veins, 
Brother and husband in an act confound 
With such unnatural incest, bestial heat, 
Forgetting the dear charities of life. 
Let firmest virtue melt, and take what mould 
Hot brutish license and desire impress ! 
Abhorred incest ! nearness in degree 
Scandalous, and forbidden in our law 
As most unnatural, brutish as unkind ! 

Tamar. The evils that have been bear such a pang 
As those to come. What ills we have we know. 

Maacha. What charms unwonted have enticed thee, 
daughter. 
To yield thy maiden virtue and thy prime 
So to his lust, who hath no comely part 
That may commend him in a maiden's choice? 
He hath not with that wonted favor dealt 
To tempt thee, as the basest men may show. 
With colors luring their foul purposes 
Varnishing, pretext base. He with hot rape 
And foul defilement forced, not courted, thee. 
Yet love for him thou feelest, wouldst profess 
Affection for such gross impurity 



282 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Monstrous and horrid that thou so shouldst think. 
lust^ how blacklier in a maid thou showest 
Than in a matron seems thy mutinous deed ! 

Tamae. Hast thou not pity for a mind abused? 
When have I wronged thee, slighted thee, despised thee, 
Been wanting in my duty, the regard 
A virtuous daughter to her mother shows, 
That thou shouldst contumely and contempt 
Heap on me, with disparagement and scorn ? 

Maacha. The deed thou motionest much dishonors 
me; 
And thy so strict refusal shames me more. 

Tamar. Thou may'st not by such vile reproaches 
move, 
More than persuasion, that I now forego 
That purpose I have held to cleanse my name 
Thus from dishonor, hatred, calumny. 
"WTio better than myself, who have the hurt, 
May know what medicine to heal it, cure 
My diseased honor, my infected fame? 
Though I have lost thy favor, lost thy love, 
"WTiich think not thereby I regard as light. 
Yet I have kept, what I must more esteem. 
The mind's approval, virtue's conscious self. 
That more approves than fame of men, as voice 
Of duty, goodness, virtue so enjoining. 

Maacha. No further needest thou excuse thyself, 
N'or think to gloss thy sin, that thus would join 
Thy ravisher, thy wronger, thy insulter. 

Tamar. I seek no worse alliance thence to join 
Than our first father Abraham; he with less cause 
His father's, though not mother's, daughter wed; 
He by desire and merest pleasure did 
What I through strict necessity am forced. 
If I herein by law stand thus condemned. 
He the much more, and all his offspring brands, 
Which he with incest and in license got. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 283 

Thou must with reason more attempt my plea, 
If thou hast hope in aught to move my mind. 

Maacha. wickedness of men ! to plead the sins 
Of others to excuse thy slips of good ! 
Besides, what more incestuous, lustful, brutish, 
And likest to the brute, his nature apt. 
As in those warrens of foul incest found 
Where beasts enkindle? Be a beast indeed, 
As in thy wild desires thou showest now. 
But plead not thus example, custom, law 
To gloss the deed thou wouldst, thus evil found; 
But be thy own desire its best excuse. 

That in its own foul naked truth it stand 

A warning, not enticement, to like crime. 

Tamak. I do not, mother, herein worse offend 
Than others, in our good tradition joined. 
Did not our father Abraham, as I think, 
His sister Sarai wed? affinity 
Kot farther than I now approve to join. 
If I in this, he like by law condemned, 
"With less excuse, or reason, with no stain 
Attaching to his deed, as not to mine. 

Maacha. I saw thy circling pretense, how it closed 
In feigned religion, fair hypocrisy ! 
So far thou still art forward to thy hurt, 

FeePst not the sting of shame, but by that love 

What thou call'st love, I folly — art thrust on 

To thy own hurt, by weakness far enticed 

From thy advantage. But not me expect 

To share thy folly, from my purpose hold 

To quench thy wrongs and mine. Though thou deniest 

What right in thee a mother has, thou canst not 

Forbid my watchful care of thee to venture 

Toward thy behoof. Which now I go to seek. 

That thy dread wrongs and mine shall be avenged 

By such return, such vengeance, as may wipe 

Entire our blot of honor. So, farewell. 



284 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Tamae. that grief and anguish were confined 
To the inmost mind, 

And not, as touch, through every part diffused, 
In countenance, eye, form; 
That sorrow still were secret, nor expressed, 
Still to herself best hid! 
Then were I not to woe thus darkly joined, 
With hatred of my kindred, 
The object of their mockery and scorn. 
Under such vilest fortune. 
Without my known default, 
Who pity more should gain and kindliest ruth 

At sore mischance unearned 

Such lot with misery passed 
In sorrows undeserved ! 

Chorus. The mention of thy many wrongs 
And woes afflictive brings into my mind 
How others in like evil state distressed 
Like pains have suffered ; and what saddest lot 
Dinah possessed, whom, reft of dearest honor, 
Like sorrows dread assailed, 
Though undeserved as thine her lot 
Whom vengeance yet restored, exacting thence 
His life in recompense who wrought her wrong. 
Which that sad city's stroke lamenting felt, 
And all with him who mocked her sorrowed state. 
With him devote to ruin. 

Tamae. But me what hoped return may recompense, 
A shame and worst reproach 
To all my friends and kindred. 
Their cruelty and scorn. 
Reserved to draw out wretched days, 
A sight and hapless mock, 
Thus miserable, assaulted, reft, and shamed. 
Despised of all and shunned. 
But most by him who wrought my grievous harm. 
And to the ills of life 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 285 

Left me all aidless, 

With irreparable loss of honor ! 

Chorus. Whence like return with her thou shouldst 
expect 
And recompense from God, 
Whose ear is gracious to admit. 

Whose eye is ever open to the suppliant 

Thence to thy sorrows open, thus designed 

Perhaps thy testing hard. 

And trial of thy patient fortitude, 

Which favor sent of Heaven 

And faithful meek endurance last shall crown. 

But see ! this way thy reverend sire, 
With steps not light, and aspect worn; 
And after him with equal pace 
Thy brother walks ; advise 
With them what converse thou boldest. 

David. With hopes to find my daughter, whom 
report 
Gave out as on this place, behold me come; 
Say then if here. Or elsewhere must I seek? 

Absalom. Father, I have approached thee oft, 
essayed thee. 
Have sought thee, wrought thee, urged all means to gain 

thee 
Apt to my purpose, that hath still proposed 
To satisfy the great indignity 
Put on her with contempt, my sister, held 
Thy daughter. But thou still hast put me off, 
Refused me, slighted me, denied, neglected. 
With promise of some solace to her harm. 
That should redeem her honor, cleanse her stain. 
This I have borne, and worse, his taunts, reproaches, 
Insults, and scorn, until endurance falters 
To bear yet more. Now the last time I come. 
And ask for justice that shall quite purge off 
The blot her name hath taken with foul stain. 



286 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

David. I have not, son, forgotten that dishonor 
Which fouls her name with much contempt, but held 
The times not ripe. Thou seest her famie distained; 
And worse were yet disfeatured, if through haste 
What now is closed to few abroad should range, 
And rumor wider walk. What is to do 
Should so with stealth be done, that what now worse 
May not be worst. Whence caution best befits. 
With circumspection to our purpose tried. 
And thou shouldst not chafe with delay, but think 
Each thing is best done as it may be best, 
Not as we would. The present is our own. 
To our command; unless we slip through folly 
And rash misjudgment, or through half-ripe haste, 
Sister to large delay. What next may come 
Is born from what now is, the present still 
Is father to the future. I have lived 
More days than thou, and greater evil seen 
Born of too soon than offspring of too late. 

Absalom. Not as by rash impatience motioned on, 
Or fond misknowledge, have I sought thee, father, 
The wont of youth unripe, that ever shoots 
Before its aim ; which time unheeded slipped 
With slack forbearance more to urge upon thee 
Approves with reason ; but my sister's claim 
Hath clamored long for right into the ear 
Of sleeping justice. Whence suspicion wakes. 
And doubts if ever shall her name be cleansed 
From stain of public scorn. And while she waits. 
Mourning her hapless state and peace thus wrecked, 
Her foul insulter passes boldly on 
Unpunished, with a brazen front that shows 
His enmity and slack indifference 
Had to her offered wrong. If justice fail. 
Despite his lofty pride and haughty state. 
To reach him with a stroke to publish wide 
His satisfaction for his ill performed. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 287 

New crime shall wake, and sin more boldly walk. 
While justice, thus affronted, hides its head. 

David. I long have meditated, and before 
Determined on this task, as both incurred, 
If justice here be slack, what swift reproach 
Assails the name of king, and, what more near. 
That fiercer vengeance roused remorse wont urge 
Upon the father, to his duty slack, 
Self-scorn, reproach, fierce sorrows thick as rain 
Dropt from the spongy cloud. But grant thee so, 
And that it nearly now concerns to act. 
What yet concerns it thee ? Why art thou moved 
With interest in thy sister, not thy wont? 
1 sit, not thou, as king, as in God^s stead 
To speak redress of sin and sentence wrong. 

Absalom. If thou hadst spoken, then should I not 
speak ; 
Hadst thou given j^istice, then had I not sought. 
But thou art placed above me, canst inflict 
Reproach for zeal, mistaken but in this, 
That not against due right, but against thee 
It only sought. And what thou may'st appoint 
I must endure, and happy if so quit. 
But 0, that I were made judge in the land ! 
Should each man bring his suit and controversy 
Into my presence, that the laws and statutes, 
With witness and opinion, judge the cause. 
That each man should have justice at my hand ! 

David. Too far hast thou presumed upon thy right; 
Too far ; upon my patience trespassed, son. 
Thus with contemptuous anger, son, and scorn 
Answering a father, whose extreme fault goes 
Not farther than kind favor, fond indulgence 
Repaid with insult, contumely, scorn. 
And art thou by ambition so possessed. 
So by desire unfilial seized, to climb 
Up to the kingly chair and thence disseat 



288 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Thy father, that thou might'st with justice do 
What in thy raw unwisdom thou might's think ? 
Thou need'st thyself in wisdom much to school; 
And older must thou be by many days, 
Ere thou upon my scepter get fast hold. 
What pains of anguish here do eat my heart, 
\^Tiich now I feel, ingratitude of children 
That sharper biteth than the serpent's tooth ! 
Better at once destroy than more endure 
What to my shame I seem to have begotten, 
A blusterer, a boaster, and a braggart ! 

Absalom. Thou know'st thou art my father; that 
name therefore 
Denies me to do aught against thy reverence; 
Or nothing should withhold or thwart my hand 
To wreak upon thee some most sudden vengeance, 
That should with satisfaction answer thus 
What wrongs from thee I have! And thou, who 

urgest 
Another's ill, art thou thyself so pure 
Of error, that thou may'st with constant mind 
Urge on another's sin? Who now but knows 
What folly with another's wife thou wroughtest, 
Bathsheba, and her ruin compassed thence. 
Thy harlot, whom thou mad'st to be thy queen ? 
A sin by God not passed, when he denounced 
The sword against thee punishing and thy house, 
To future ruin and contempt designed. 
And thou with him art like in sin, the crime 
Of woman's hateful shame unwilling forced. 
AVhat then withholds me that I more endure. 
As thou hast said, the shames I now endure. 
And not against thee lift my hand, that thence 
My own wrongs and her wrongs at once cut off? 

David. Hast thou not shame to speak thy father ill, 
A violater, ravisher, an adulterer? 

Absalom. You do it, not I. You do ungodly deeds, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 289 

And those ungodly deeds themselves find words. 

Tamae. son, what fury bids thee lift thy hand 
Against thy father's head? What answering wrath, 
father, if I may with reverence speak, 
Hath moved thee to destroy thy son — for whom, 
But for myself, sole cause of wrath in both? 
Better have died unborn than be dispute 
Of son and sire ! a still wished for lot. 
That might with death my woes at once cut off. 
But peace ; and let us, as in plight thus sad, 
Search out some cure to medicine our wounds. 
And not our greater grief induce, as now. 

David. wretched chance unthought ! Is this my^ 
pride 
Once cherished, this my flowering hope, once known 
My daughter and my darling, my delight ? 
Xow ruined, shamed, assaulted, snared with ill. 
In what may'st thou be happy ? wherein find 
Or solace, or contentment, or delight? 
Which now becomes my shame, so long neglect 
Hath held me from thy good. But fear not more; 
For thou this day shalt see thy state restored. 
His wife conjoined who thee to ruin brought. 
That shall, doubt not, redress thy bitter wrongs. 

Absalom. Is this that solemn care and duty owed 
By parent to a daughter, that conjoin 
In wedlock hateful, impious, despised. 
Her to her ravisher, that foul destroyer 
Who sought her, wrought her harm? Much worse 

appears 
Thy duteous care bestowed than thy neglect. 
Which, at the least, conjoined not wrong to wrong. 
Added not scorn to scorn, of ills the worst. 
And dost thou so approve thy love that showed 
First but neglect and later but contempt? 
If such thy love, may I possess thy hate ! 

Tamae. Peace, brother, to thy shame who mentionest 



290 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Our father's slips of virtue, reckoning 

With wonted sin perverse the instant lust 

To instant ill misled; unthinking here 

That not the passion's momentary gust 

Condemns the man, but meditated sin, 

Born of intent and burned within the blood. 

That into habit breeds. Where is thy reverence, 

Thy filial duty and regard toward him 

Who hath begotten thee, hath reared thee, bred the^ 

With careful hand? I have the heavier wrong 

By far than thou ; but shame withholds my tongue 

To scorn my father, and just reverence 

To parents wont deserved. If I can thus. 

Thou canst forego thy vn-ath and hold thy peace 

Till fitter are thy words — a parent's wont. 

Though thou hadst heavier cause to wrath, and he 

A worser ill had wrought, he is thy father. 

Still to be reverenced, honored, loved, revered. 

'Not prime dishonor, not the worst of ills 

Can slacken or relax what duty binds 

To honor the commandment that enjoins 

Respect to parents, honor, duty, reverence. 

David. How fitly in a daughter's mouth appears 
That duteous love toward parents wont deserved! 
The beauteous issue doth enrich its fount. 
Like silver pictures in a frame of gold. 

Absalom. Sin still were sin, unholy lust were lust. 
Although he were a thousand times my father. 
And thou, who wouldst excuse that father's wrong. 
Gloss o'er with smoothing speech that brother's sin, 
Hast thou forgotten then what direful wrong 
He once upon thee set, who wrought thy harm 
And ravished thee, then thrust thee discomposed, 
TJnhonored, unappareled, unadorned, 
A mock to public scorn, through each high street 
Published thy shame to men ? His passion fierce, 
Incestuous, brutish, shows not worse than thine, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 291 

Who thus would wed thy brother that hath forced thee, 
Outraged thy virgin honor, slain thy shame, 
Insulted, vexed thee, wronged thee, spoiled thy life 
With worst undoing. Curses fierce, not prayers, 
Hate and not love, scorn and extreme contempt, 
Woe and not joy, hapless despair not hopes 
Of wedlock may beseem thee, whose worst plight 
Hath no mate throughout present, future, past. 

David. N'o iteration needs to urge thy suit, 
Nor dress my crimes more fitly forth to view. 
A guilty conscience is the shrewdest plaintiff. 

Tamar. Peace, brother; nor in wrath forego thyself 
thus. 

Absalom. Counsel not peace, where hate may fitlier 
hold. 

Tamae. Yet him respect a father^s right enjoins. 

Absalom. Eelation holds not where regard not holds: 

Tamae. Experience must teach, where wisdom not. 

Absalom. Must I in wisdom by a girl be schooled? 

Tamae. I am sorry what way thus thy ruin tends. 

Absalom. Yet hast not sorrow for thy father's sin ! 

David. son, my sins appear so gross in show 
Thou need'st not urge them more, for now they seem 
As foul as death! 

Absalom. In such mood art thou safe. 
When I shall kill thee, it shall be that time 
WHien dalliance loose, or sin, with slackened lust. 
Hath dulled thee, that thou slip thy hopes of good; 
And not, when sweet repentance seasons thee, 
I to felicity shall cut thee off. 
And send thee post to heaven. 

David. I know thy youth. 
Be circumspect, and of thy words more nice, 
Nor urge thus to thy own affliction, son. 
Knowing that to thy father thou shouldst hold 
Respect and reverence meet, as right enjoins. 
Age hath a privilege to be exempt 



292 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

From folly; youth is ever green and rash. 
But mind thou wisdom here, and mind thou me. 
Since raw unheedful anger bears a fruit 
More bitter the more tasted. Thou, I fear, 
Art between passion and desire distraught. 
That captain should is ruled by servant will; 
Which thou shouldst end with reason's right regard, 
Seeing I will is servant to I ought; 
And trial now shall sift thee fine as wheat. 
For in the soul are good and evil powers 
That strive for mastery; will, as umpire, sits, 
And by decision victory allots 
Upon that part where destiny thence stands. 
And thou to him, who hath presumed thy wrong, 
Shouldst deal that mercy which I now to thee; 
Knowing that not for him alone thou needest, 
But for thyself, sweet mercy, heavenly mercy. 
Which is to Heaven both the way and guide. 
The ladder whereon man may climb to God. 
And yield not thou to hate, misguiding hate. 
That is itself its own worst punishment. 
As he becomes like what he contemplates 
Forming to evil what in man divine. 
Upon this hazard is thy soul now set. 
And thou shouldst mind thy welfare, to the height 
Matters now strained, whether to hold or break. 

Absalom. Father, I do repent my bitter words; 
And further, in like sign of amity. 
At Baal-hazor hold the shearers' feast. 
Whereto thy presence wished I now desire. 
As proof of amity between us joined. 
Say therefore if thou come in sign of peace. 

David. Repentance is a plant of gracious growth, 
That in its own kind breeds; which now in me 
Raises the like return. Yet other cares 
Unwonted must withhold me willing here. 
And my wished presence at the shearers' feast. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 293 

Absalom. Then, if not thou may'st come, at least 
bid send 
My brothers to this feast, as hopeful sign 
That peace and amity between us grow. 

David. The willinger I yield, that happier cares 
Withhold me here. But let me hence depart ; 
And thou, my daughter, must with me along, 
To attire as best befits a nuptial bride; 
Since I this day shall do what left too long. 
Which to thy name and peace recovered tends. 

Choeus. Thou seest thy sister's evils finish now; 
And what hast thou of hope to better aught 
Her state, neglected, thus outraged, and scorned? 

Absalom. That which must be, must be. But, how 
shall fall. 
The event is yet uncertain; which I think 
This day shall prove : and here as favor seek 
That, if not on my part, at least no side 
Ye choose, but silent circumspection give. 
Ere some surprise, ill-greeting, shall convert 
My purpose held, ere well begins the attempt. 
For of my purpose I would not be sure, 
Seeing unsafe security oversets 
The wariest counsel and to ruin turns. 

For now my hopeful thoughts to peace incline 

Such as the winter makes with summer heat, 
Or as the summer makes with winter snow. 
Or sun with cloud, or water with fierce fire. 

Chorus. But doubtless, to discharge that score of ill. 
Ere this, be sure, thou hast made some cunning way 
To pay her wronger in still baser coin. 

Absalom. Some fearful way found out to my revenge 
Think not but I shall find ; though now may seem, 
As is a mother with her children, who 
Each last one loves the most, I with my thoughts. 
That cannot with contrivance well devise. 
But doubt not ; I shall chance upon some plan. 



294 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Or to my need devise, that may purge oS 

Entire such, blot, and rase indignity, 

Through pondered recompense to wrought revenge 

By indirection or direction gained. 

Xor think that I in heat of hasty wrath, 

Or lack of patient wisdom, close discretion, 

Shall aim a blinded stroke, whose fierce reflex 

Unguarded on my own head shall redound ; 

Since I shall choose discretion wise to join 

My wary counsels, not insensate found. 

Choeus. THiat thou hast said we heard not; what 
wouldst speak 
TVe somewhat guess ; and closer to thy wish 
Thou couldst not ask us ; for with thee now hold 
Expectancy and hope and strong desire. 

Absalom. Xor think such hopeful aid as hostile 
scorned. 
Eor now the times, to action ripe, demand 
Our utmost need in effort, thence to gain 
Return found suitable, our purpose sought, 
That warrants now my absence on this place. 

Choeus. glorious warrant of regard endued 
With favor upon his chosen. 
When God upon their foe 
Surprised, distract, astonished, 
Of all protection reft. 

Defenceless left, or strook with thoughts insensate, 
His message of destruction fiercely sends 
With mighty force unquenchably ordained 
And anger awaked of Heaven! 

Thus fond the mind of man. 
So mutable his ways and mortal deeds, 
Fallen upon error, seized 
With siniul folly dire. 
Insensate strook, or left to sense deject, 
And with inward vision blind: 
Though him of old, erected from the ground, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 295 

Had God himself ordained, 

Into his nostrils breathed the breath of life 

And made him living soul. 

But now forbear; for now a rougher tongue 
With harsher stride draws nigh, not tuned with 

peace 

Amnon, who hath a sister's folly wrought. 
What chance or what intent hath blown him hither 
Conjecture fails; which time shall straight resolve. 
His visage and his aspect carry war. 

Amnon". Friends, for I hold you such, though found 
uncouth, 
Say whether on this place my brother stands, 
Absalom, who hath harmed me much in words. 
And now in act proceeds to further wrong. 

Chorus. But late with us he stood, hath parted now, 
As bound on purpose hidden and uncouth, 
'Not so to us in full imparted thence. 

Amnon". That purpose speak; for I have thirst to 
know. 

Choeus. His wished intent withheld prevents to say. 

Amnon". Unknown his actions best, who basely acts ! 

Choeus. From thee such words befit not, base in 
chief ! 

Amnon. To waste in strife with woman I disdain, 
Or else with other answer were ye taught. 

Choeus. Go further; stop not so in folly short. 
Who hast defiled thy sister, put to shame, 
Evil hast wrought in thine own house, a stain 
On foreheads else unsmirched. The count so large. 
More crime, to the hard sum already set. 
Added, a greater reckoning scarce can show ! 
Or, if with us to argue thou disdain's t. 
Too mean contemned, consider what appellant 
Approaches now; whom, howso'er thy purpose 

May present hold, thou hast not always scorned 

Tamar, to whom what ruin thou hast brought ! 



296 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Amnox. However known, alike to me she comes. 
Tamae. Peace with you, friends! My here return 
account 



So sudden that some wonder, chance, were moved ^ 

!N'o other than to bring you kindly words 

And biddance to the marriage-supper set; 

Since this day, as to you my father said. 

Must bring those nuptials that shall end my wrongs. 

Choeus. Thou seest, Amnon, set before thee now 
Whom thou this day conjoin^st in wedlock-bands, 
As doubtless to thy wish conforming found. 

Amnon. With her despised, contemned, foreknown 
to man. 
What husband with such wife to wed would deign! 

Choeus. Such as she is thou mad'st her ; if the work 
Thou like not, think it still as thou hast wrought. 

Amnon. Such as she is I hate her, nor will wed. 

Choeus. Tamar, perchance if thou should'st ask the 
man. 
He would not, as discourteous, thence refuse 
That wifely honor which with thee were brought. 

Amnon. I hate, where nature so foregoes herself; 
And would not, though her knees were bent to beg, 
Wed with her who so far herself forgot 
Against all decency, regard of nature. 
Or honored thought of mankind, custom, use; 
Whom my request consents not to beseech. 

As known unworthy, undesirable 

A wife no man of honor e'er will deign. 

Tamae. IN'ature hath made man's province here to 
speak. 
Woman's to answer. Here perforce I stand. 
If he will ask me for his wife — why, well ; 
I shall give answer as becomes my place. 
If not, then he will not. I may no more. 

Amnon. With thee, unwedded yet no maid, not wife 
And yet no virgin — what constrains me choose, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 297 

If so be here allowed, such wedlock choice ? 

Chorus. Justice and sense of reason, the behoof 
Of manly shame, if thou have such, constrain. 

Amn'ON". The greater shame I took, if thou herein 
Shouldst guide me, as my choice not so intends. 

Chorus. The better choosing were the worser choice. 

Amnon. Why should I choose her, whom I have de- 
spised. 
Contemned, and lastly hated ; why her take, 
The casket of whose honor I have oped 
And stolen her maiden treasure, that with scorn 
I should esteem her, flout her, hate, neglect her, 
Put on her much contempt ? Which all on me 
Shall visit, if I choose perforce that choice ! 
No, no ; where once I loved, there now I hate ; 
Where once admired, disdain ; and worse might do 
Toward her than what already I have done, 
If I submit me to that shameful yoke 
Of marriage — no true marriage — rather foul 
Concupiscence; that loathing and disgust. 
Pull-grown, nor young as yet, should stand between. 
To vex us and consume us, day by day. 
Till death should haste the end of all our pains. 

Tamar. Or thus or no, repent the bitter harms 
I suffer, which may draw what punishment ! 

Chorus. Let Heaven let him repent not; lest he 
scape, 
Through meed of such repentance, punishment ! 

Tamar. I pray Heaven grant him truly to repent! 
As freely as his trespass I forgive. 
Heaven forgive mine ! But thou, ere wrath shall wake 
And quite consume thee, unaware perhaps 
And stuffed with sins that season thee for death, 
Through anger of a father, brother felt. 
In peace depart. I all revenge abjure. 
And all thy faults forgive thee; go with that. 
Euin bechance thee through no wish of mine! 



298 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

I hoped to have wedded thee, and found content. 

If not some happiness, or perchance love 

Ofttimes the first-born after marriage-rite- 



(For who would wedded be, and not be loved?) 

And on our knees children perhaps might sit, 

Thine as known mine. Which might in part have eased. 

Or cured entire perhaps my pains. But now 

Whatever else the hand of God allot. 

Since all things as from God^s hand I receive, 

I take, nor will repine, arming my breast 

With patience to whatever ills of life; 

Nor yet so young in sorrow, that I cannot 

Bear longer what load long already borne. 

Chokus. Amnon, when danger's voice is threatening 
near, 
Discretion then is wisdom's better part. 
Consider if thy father's wrath awake 
To draw thy ruin, persevering thus? 
Who now is surety that thou shalt perform 
Marriage with her, who thus before thee stands. 

Whence now, if I in aught may here advise 

Though to this action I gave counsel not, 

But rather have opposed that marriage thought ' 

And not too far presume, make offer now 

Albeit such good hap thou hast not deserved. 

And fairer fortune were the lady's lot 

Beseeming both to offer and accept. 

And, Tamar, if the man shall tender thee 

The meed of marriage, slight it not with scorn. 

xImnon. Who will not to good purpose change his 
mind. 
Shows but the fool, and draws his ruin more. 
I will this offer take; nor so reject, 
For so it pleases, what now here advised ; 
Chiefly persuaded that my welfare best, 
As thine, herein consorts. Nor be thus sad, 
As now thou seem'st, but let thy aspect show 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 299 

As fits glad miptial time and marriage-feast. 

Chorus. Would I were Tamar, and that Tamar I, 
To answer thee ! I know what should be said 
To scorn such offer! Go; retract thy words! 
For nobler didst thou seem when most with scorn 
Thou mad'st thy answer. 

Tamar. Being but myself, 
Myself must answer, as beseems me best. 
Such offer I accept ; though some may hold 
lN"ot wisdom that such wedlock here were joined, 
To wisdom thwart ; and other might I choose, 
Did not so strict necessity enforce. 
But reasons many, cogent, capable 
Compel me. For their sakes accept I must. 

Chorus. She's gone; and who knows how she may 
increase 
Trouble, things to the height already strained? 

Amnon". So let her go ; I still would not detain her, 
Though surety of my safety and my life. 

Chorus. Amnon, with caution hast thou said, as 
fits. 
For wilt thou, as thy promise bids, perform. 
To the full reckoning set, such heavy vow 
That links thee in such irksome marriage-bands ? 
Or other does thy purpose hold, more apt 
To what once done, which her hath so undone ? 

Amnon. To wed with her, as erst I said, what man 
So lost to sense of honor, fond, would deign? 

Chorus. Yet now with other answer thou must fit 
Thy argument ; for yonder to our place 
Absalom comes; and in his face I see 
Determination high that would debate. 
Even to fell destruction's utmost edge. 
The slight upon his sister thou hast done. 
In brief prepare; for all his thoughts are war. 

Amnon. Alike to me, if peace or war, he comes. 



300 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Absalom. I come not, Amnon, to inquire thj 
chance. 
As wont perhaps, or learn thy fortune done. 
But now upon this place thy purpose say. 

Amnon. Why hast thou, Absalom, presumed thy 
right 
Too far, when thou gav^st out that baseless rumor 
Of wedlock and wished marriage with her joined. 
Thy sister? to my shame presuming thus. 
To couple so our names in wedlock-bands ! 
Thou far art found too fro ward to my hurt ; 
And now I come to see why thence such noise 
Hath walked about, and why by thee set forth. 
That contradiction answer such report. 

Absalom. Think'st thou such need of speech ? Thou 
errest far; 
So much hath sin enfeebled, and weak lust. 
Thy erst clear judgement, umpire of the mind. 
No wickedness can hide itself, nor find 
A shelter from its own or others' eyes. 
Injustice needs no tongue to cry her wrongs ; 
Themselves are vocal without uttered speech, 
Nor want fit words; if human voice were mute, 
The silent air would cry aloud their shame. 

Amnon. Think not with her I e'er shall wed, or join 
In wedlock thus distasteful whom I hate. 
Whoe'er may wish, or what the argument. 
And her another husband may possess, 
Who shall atone her wherein I have wronged. 

Absalom. Who now would wish her for a wife, thus 
joined 
With her, his grievous torment, great reproach 
Among all men, that he should loathe his lot 
Thus hateful, evil, shamed, distressful, vile? 
Besides, what honor should his children have, 
As from a mother bad derived? a curse 
Heavier than aught other ill of life, 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 301 

Pointed with, all contempt, upbraided, scorned, 

The chiefest wrong, most hurtful, irksome, grievous, 

With misery, that a husband e'er might bear. 

Amnon. O'er-shrewdly hast thou urged; nor such 
her lot 
Thus grievous, if in wedlock once conjoined, 
ISTor with disfavor tasting nuptial joys. 
As thy imagination merely shows. 
With over-colored fancy varnished thus. 
Look you ; the lion doth not tear his mate 
For act of copulation; the rank horse 
Breeds without all chaste question; wanton kinds 
Couple, in general common; each succeeds 
Without reluctance in the natural act; 
Chastity is not known, nor hath a name. 
Why then should man, being but beast, decline 
To sickened appetence, pretending so 
From soilure of the gendering touch, nor taste. 
Save with disrelish, from another's feast? 
Thou wouldst thyself, no doubt. And here obtrudest 
Thy offered aid unasked and like esteemed. 
I would myself, nor feel reluctance aught 
In such fruition, where my liking chose. 

Absalom. Hast thou no touch of shame, to utter so 
What, even if thought, in silence better hid? 

Amnon". Truth still is truth, whatever the audience. 

Absalom. lost to virtue, honor, left of good. 
Thus to excuse thy beastly appetence 
That wrought her ruin! Thou thyself but needest 
The outwardly resemblance of a beast 
To be a beast indeed ! The inly bestial. 
Brutish desires and lustful appetence 
That range without due law, with no constraint 
Beyond satiety, that see but sex. 
And, seeing, have no prompting save from lust, 
Unknowing the dear charities of life, 
Family, or relation, father, son, 



302 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

All these thou hast ; as in thy face discerned 
The express resemblance of a beast, debased 
Below all decency, all virtue, honor. 
Thus ranging without rein. Couple with beasts 
That take no cognizance, thy like in this 
And fittest counterpart, but shun to mix 
With mankind, from thy sort dissevered far ! 

Amnon". The wont regard of brother here protects 

thee, 
That satisfaction dare not speak itself. 
Absalom. What words are these ? I fear not, though 

thou add 
A brother threatened to a sister wronged. 
Come from thy serpent coil; thy fangs are dulled. 
But, if thou think thy honor damaged aught. 
Or asking satisfaction, as through shame 
Of public scorn, set on; at once to try 
Whose might be found the stronger, thine or mine. 
But stay; let me not fear thy threatened force. 
Thou through relaxing wickedness art weak; 
As trial should convince thee in assay 
How mining sin and lust unbend the powers, 
With crumbled sinews and unthreaded joints. 
And better think thee to protect thyself 
Than threaten aught on others to enforce. 
With flattery thou thine own harm shalt avoid. 
Besides, if thou man's vengeance might escape, 
What wings hast thou to flee the sight of God ? 
Whose eye sees all things at one instant view. 
Though in this life thou shun, what chance may seize 
Thee after abject death, and what shame cling? 
Because thou art now, hast thou always been. 
And shalt be ever ? If thou so hast thought, 
Thou err^st, and wide hast wandered from the truth ; 
Since mortal thoughts beseem the mortal mind. 

Amnon. Give o'er thy tedious siege; there is no 

force 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 303 

In thy so futile words, which cannot wound. 
The object is but lost which here thou hast. 

Absalom. Thou hell-hawk, that on dovelike virtue 
preyest ! 
Who, like a devil, gloatest on the deeds 
Which thou hast wrought ! Hast thou no pangs of ill ? 
Do not thy ill deeds troublous threaten thee? 
Or art thou so of evil all compact. 
That goodness cannot reach thee, nor remorse ? 
Why, how is man above his brother beasts, 
If lust, not reason, shall his action sway. 
And passion do what conscience ne'er would list? 

AMZsroN". Thou dost not by these arguments dislodge 
me. 
More than persuasion, from my counsel held 
To join not, where no liking there can join. 

In wedlock thus distasteful whom I hate 

Since more my hatred is than once my love 

Toward her, whom once I knew, by cunning forced 

When I the casket of her honor oped 

And took her maiden treasure forth in scorn. 

But what thy future purpose here may hold 

I fear not, as I know not, like in this. 

And armed against whatever thou may'st contrive 

To alter or subvert or undermine 

My present state, secure from thee of ill. 

Absalom. And leave her all ungarded thence from 
scorn ? 

Amnon. I hate her; cannot love her; will not wed 
her. 

Absalom. Is this thy final answer then returned ? 

Amnon. So take it, with what hope thou hast of 
change. 

Absalom. I thought to win thee to my mind, and 
gain 
Advantage to her good, but thou refusest. 
Misled. But why should we in wrath dispart, 



304 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

By hate disjoined? and rather not conjoin. 

As duteous love constrains, with amity? 
To Baal-hazor am I now addressed, 
That borders on the coasts of Ephraim, 
And in that city hold the shearers^ feast; 
Whereto I now desire thy presence wished, 
As proof of amity between us joined. 
Say therefore if thou come, in peaceful sign 
To stay, as in thy honor, this high feast. 

Amnon". The willinger I come, that wisdom now 
Thou hast recovered. Whence to thy request 
Think now I yield with peace. But I must hence; 
That I may have me freshened and new-clad, 
To appear as may befit such noble feast. 

Choeus. Is this the truce thou spak'st of? so to 

join 
With him who wronged thy sister, with such insult 
Answered thy argument, such bitter scorn ! 

Absalom. Think not I yet give o'er ; for subtlety 
May here best work, whether with open fraud, 
Or craft with craft most easily opposed. 
More confidently certain of success. 
I with this brother now will go along, 
With whom I have in love thus newly joined. 
Something to do, be sure, that shall devise 
To draw him in the snare of his desert. 
What may be done shall not be satisfied 
Save by success, the touchstone truest found. 
That tries with temper most; that so the mean 
Shall satisfy the end ; as here may chance. 

Choeus. If he shall lead long life, and without ill 
Chance on his end, thus reprobate, mankind 
Shall never come to good. 

Absalom. ISTature cries out 
Against him, as with violation harmed. 
But if he scape that self and motioned sin, 
May I ne'er come to comfort in my death^ 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 305 

Since virtue proves a cheat, and good a lie. 

Chokus. Justly hath God ordained 
Dire punishment, for sin an evil end 
Appointing, and fond ways perverse cut off, 
Ere worst presumption seize the mind of man, 
Already impious found. 
Taken with evil bent 

Toward sin and folly, blindly following thence 
The scent of ruin. 
Hunting his own harm, 
Not ignorant, but wilful to his doom, 
Till from the precipice 
Of dread destruction fallen. 

Yet thence, though by example warned, fond man 
"Will not withhold his foot. 
But perseveres to evil, in ill paths 
Persisting still to tread; thus greedily 
Following on error, with delight 
The taste of sin approving, nor will cease, 
Till surfeit unbethought surprises, gust 
Gorged with ill fare distasteful. 

But yonder now, with hastened steps, I see 
Those coming, whose performed intent defeats 
Our purpose. Sadder than erewhile they seem. 
What hath induced them here, conjecture fails; 
Supposing so perhaps to find him sought. 
Or of their purpose bringing some ill news. 
With careful thoughts prepare 
Our counselled intent to receive them. 

David. With hurried fears and startled resolution 
Again I come, with purpose to seek out 
Amnon, my son, whom opportunity 
Now with occasion asks; for so befalls 
He must this day conjoin in wedlock-bands. 
And now his presence the wished hour requires; 
"V\Tiom at his house or through the high streets passing 
I might not chance. Say then, if he be here. 



3o6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Choeus. Of late he was; but now is parted hence 
Toward Baal-hazor, to the shearers' feast, 
Whereto his presence by thy son desired. 
What more hath chanced him, notice yet is none; 
But doubtless he by this hath gained the place, 
And is attendant at the shearers' feast. 

David. How went he? by himself? with others 
joined? 

Chorus. He with his brother went his way along. 

David. Passed they in peace, as bound on friendly 
purpose ? 

Choeus. They should be well enough at peace by 
this. 

David. Thy words thus doubtful raise in me some 
doubts ; 
For well I knew them hostile ; and this change. 
So sudden, may import but hidden ill. 
Winding them into the heart of easy harms. 
It likes me not; lest here some consequence 
May dog the event, that looks but evil now. 

Tamae. Peace, father; nor against thy better mind 
Fashion the model of uncertain harms. 
My brothers are not still so unprovided, 
Xor lack that wary counsel to their need. 
As to neglect their state, whate'er bechance. 
And stir not here such careful thoughts; but think 
That even if some ill were opportune, 
The dread occasion wants. 

David. Not outward force. 
That might assail, I fear, but dread lest hatred 
May inwardly divide them and induce 
More hapless chance. Where sly desire is hid, 
It works but stronglier; and, if at a stay, 
With opposition mounts and undermines. 
We do not dread the standing pool to sap 
The mason's toil deep-set ; but the thin rill, 
However slight it stream; we give it head 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 307 

And room to work its way. I dread lest here 

Occasion linked with opportunity 

Some direful chance induce, which all overturns; 

And now am purposed thither to dispatch 

Who may inform our state the latest news. 

For, while we waste in words, who knows what deed. 

Thus to our purpose froward, may be toward? 

Chorus. But stay; for yonder now some other 
comes, 
Who can perhaps inform our state with news. 

David. Thy looks declare thy tidings; speak them 
out. 

Tamae. With such looks haste beholds; set out thy 
news. 

Messenger. horror, which these eyes but late 
beheld, 
And which my tongue, nigh palsied, must recite, 
Although the dread relation sicken here. 

David. Suspense is torture; speak thy tidings out. 

Messenger. Amnon is dead; by his own harm is 
dead. 

David. Sad ; but thou knowest the fateful day to all 
Comes, not to be denied — a heavy sorrow, 
Not unsupportable, thou thence hast brought. 
Or does some fiercer evil lurk behind? 

Messenger. Not in the course of nature, as with age 
Or some besieging malady, he died. 

David. How died he — of himself, by violent hand? 

Messenger. No self and violent death; a heavier 
chance. 
Allotted him, shore off his thread in twain. 

David. Say at whose hand. 

Messenger. At Absalom's. 

David. That worsens 
The sorrow, and to horror nigh converts. 
I knew him sudden, rash in wrath, and heady, 
Smacking of insolence, of pride, rebellion; 



3o8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

But never deemed his thoughts thus far could venture, 

To exact in recompense a brother's life 

Savoring of disregard to God as man, 
Rather sets man before, and God behind. 
Whence now I mourn my slack neglect, which failed 
Some seasonable precaution to this harm; 
Yet God absolve, and in this stroke discern 
Punishment for my sin, that sought not good. 
But pleasure sensual, earthly thence pronounced. 
The snare that should induce my fiercest harm. 
But tell us, as in doubts, what dreadful chance 
Seized on my son, as evil punished thus 
Por his weak sin that wrought a sister shame ; 
Yet so perhaps not all his blame adjudged 
That slew his brother, though so dread it seem. 
And thwart the wont of hospitality. 
Which to resolve, tell with complete recital 
What chance occurred, relation more distinct. 

Messengee. So dire the chance befallen, so with ill, 
The dread relation sickens; but if thence 
Desire within thee grows to learn recital 
So strange, attend; and hear a grievous tale 
More horrible than horror, as bechanced. 
And without dread of dogging consequence 
Preely I speak, as best free truth befits. 
Por this is freedom, when a freeborn man, 
Having ill tidings, boldly may pronounce 
Into what ears, nor thereby suffer harm. 
Since it becomes a freeman to speak free. 
At Baal-hazor, while we kept the feast. 
All things with pleasure sorted, as gay looks, 
Pair words, high cheer consorting, the fair morn, 
Whence men are wont to tell like day ; for never 
So fair a morn hath drawn so foul a day. 
Though first all hopeful showed. High noon grew nigK, 
And all was joy and frolic, sport and game ; 
Then to refreshment turned. Immediately, 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 309 

In large provision courteous, cheer was brought • 

Gates of each kind, and meats delicious, fruits 

Of every sort and savor, choice and fine. 

And wine that warms the sodden heart of man ; 

Which Absalom on Amnon urged, till drink 

Had with excess brought surfeit, surfeit thence 

Blank loss of self and powers, loosed with wine. 

When to his servants Absalom aloud : 

Strike him, nor spare ! Why spare ye ? They thereat 

(So Absalom before had given command) 

Set fierce upon him, pressed him, smote him, slew, 

Mingling his blood with his own wine, distract, 

Put from his mind, disfeatured, discomposed. 

Disordered, drowsed with wine, abject and sunk : 

As when a city on a sudden jars. 

Shocked by the shifting earth, and all her towers 

Totter, while men cry out with gripe of fear 

Sudden heart-seized, and tumult throngs the street. 

So Amnon brutish died, as in his life 

So in death, unrepentant, reprobate. 

And punished in the brutal shape he sinned; 

While all thy other sons are safe escaped. 

But Absalom hath parted, and is passed 

To Talmai, at Geshur, as is thought. 

David. heavy woe ! the worst with grief that ever 
Could have bechanced thee and thy father's house ! 
wretched end accurst ! That son I prayed 
Acceptable, importuned, so desired. 
How was he still in life a thorn to pierce 
A father's inmost heart, and in his death 
Hath so inflicted to my peace what wound ! 
Wherefore it seems the doubtful gifts of God 
Are to man's hurt, and best withheld not given. 
But peace ! what have I said ? Too far my words 
Grief -wrought have run, inviting further ill 
Retributive perhaps than yet received. 

Choeus. By how much are the evils tha,t we learnj 



310 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

In apt recital quickened ; as here known ! 
Check now thy headlong grief, and to discretion 
Slacken the rein, lest ruin worse bechance. 
For now behold thy daughter, where she stands 
With eyes downcast and cheeks all paled with ill, 
As painted in a picture, fain to speak. 
What may portend concerns thee ; since hath chanced 
A silence that imports more dread than sound. 

David. Alas ! how had I nearly in my grief 
Eun on the greater evil, from the less 
No way escaped ! As man full oft hath done. 
Tangling still worse the knotted coil of woe. 
Be of more comfort, daughter ; nor bereave 
Me doubly, in my sons enough bereaved. 
Sufficient am I punished; add not more 
To the hard sum, as yet not satisfied. 
Or must the heavy score of punishment 
Eun ever on, a burdenous tale, in sum 
Of grievous woe increased, never to end? 

Choeus. Many the woes of life. 
And many sorrows compass round 
The lot of man, both for himself distressed 
By worst of troubles, ills and pains. 
And those who hold relation dear 
Of kin or friendship; that, perplexed. 
Doubt rises oft if life be worth its care, 
Not better lost, as over-balanced found 
With worst consuming ills. 

Semi-Chorus. Nor only upon those who have de- 
spised 
His edicts, and his tenets held in scorn, 
God in his purpose hid 
Sends his consuming wrath 
And fiery hate reserved ; 
But often on the good displays his hand 
And favor adverse, as with punishment 
Visiting on his chosen some dire sin. 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 311 

Nor this perhaps the sum of all his ills^, 

But joined with worse, as linked in double woe ' 

Honor removed, and loss of friends, respect 
To station lost, contumely of foes. 
The mock and scorn exposed of people's wrath, 
Insult, and tumult worse, confusion dire. 
That wear the stubborn hardihood of pride 
And rouse the fiercer anarchy within 
Than wars without distressed. 
'Not shall he by his cunning scape, 
Too slight with all his ills to cope, 
Though to inventions famed, devices rare 
Of arts that cherish life, unapt not found. 

Semi-Choeus. For though he ward away the bolts 
of frost 
In winter, and the summer^s direful heat, 
Or in the season's drouth 
Provide himself with store of harvest reaped 
Against the days of want, when famine found. 
And many means devise for many ills, 
Himself he cannot guard 
Against misfortune, loss, and death, 
Nor free his mind from fear 
Of sorrows worse endured. 

David. Come, friends; enough have we bemoaned 
his fate 
Thus ill and foul, untimely in his end. 
Yet in his flower cut off. But so, not deemed 
All undeserved his ill desert, since he 
Drew his own hurt, taking the stain of crime 
With harm to virgin innocence performed. 
Nor his all blamed, who motioned such dire hurt. 
That other, to avenge his sister's wrong 
Wrought ill and foully, done without due heed. 

Or right respect and reverence for law 

God's law, or man's ; which yet outraged not all. 
Which blames my slackness, wilful negligence 



312 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

To punish what ill crime by him performed. 
And, daughter, be thou comforted; thy state 
Is widowed now of shame, since death has paid 
That debt, and thee from all arrears released. 
Let us bid send to seek him, where he lies 
Slain bv a brother^s hand, and bring him home 
With all due rite and solemn ceremony, 
As fits the son of kings. Then in a tomb 
His body shall be laid; and marble stand 

Aboye him, to recount his hapless end 

Xothing extenuate his shameful deed, 
Whence ignominy and dire loss of life. 

Choeus. All with good hath closed this day, 
Wherein God's purpose great hath shown 
Inscrutable and dark, yet in the close 
According with his high intent; 
"WTiich to their evil hath inflicted thence 
Discomfort and fierce yengeance upon those 
Who overpass his edicts. On his chosen 
With favor now hath closed. 
And peace of mind, all malice spent. 



ODE : TO INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM. 

Thou who art beauty, wisdom, glory, law, 

A protean name, a various effluence. 

Yet one, like light thrown through prism-crystalj 

whence 
All hues their shades and shifting echoes draw; 
Who art a power that is felt and known 
To kindle and restrain and overawe 
The pure delight, the rapture, and the fear 
Toward which our highest and our holiest yearn. 
While in slow roundure turn 
The mighty months that measure time's vast year; 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 313 

A being won 

And like swift lightning lost, where art thou gone ? 

For thou wert known to men. The halcyon days 
Of Greece heard thy communings, and thy form 
Stood, a majestic presence to the gaze 
Of poet, seer, and sculptor known; while, warm 
With tempered passion, verse not vain 
Poured forth in praise of thee her golden strain; 
Thou in the sea of faction still' dst the storm; 
And the beauty that they loved 
Breathed in brass, in marble moved; 
Philosophy divined with voice elate. 
And learning woke in rapture animate. 
But when thou couldst no more their minds illume, 
Thou at the last forsook'st the anarch gloom; 
And freedom sank in Greece, to rise in Rome. 

The days of Alfred saw thee, though afar 
Shone thy dim coming, shrouded close in gloom. 
Thy herald was the braying shock of war. 
Thy proclamation, peace ; but the blind doom, 
Slavery, fell; unknown thou didst depart; 
Ever hadst thou disdained the race of slaves ! 
Prance knew thee too, when mighty Charlemain 
Steered for thy light, adrift on war's waste waves; 
But storms of state repelled him, and thy light 
Soon faded, swallowed up in error's night. 

And Italy, the nurse of arms and art, 
The crag-set cradle of young liberty. 
The eye and soul of learning — Italy 
Beheld thee. All her daughters, hand to hand. 
Passed thy swift torch o'er anarchy's waste deep 
Like watch-fires flashed along from steep to steep. 
Again sung Poesy : that sister band 
Hymned a wild sorrow, fallen on days forlorn. . 
Others have seen thee ; but, alas, too few : 
Thou fledd'st ; they to that heavenly vision were untrue ! 
And last, as one out of due season bom. 



314 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

America, the fairest birth of time. 
But none have e'er beheld thee in thy prime ; 
Their eyes were holden from thy fnll-orbed grace, 
Seen dark, as in a glass, not face to face. 

Toward what untrodden temple of the mind 
May votaries bend their pilgrimage to thee; 
And plucked from what impruned boughs npbind 
Their brows with thy rich bays of fnll-flowered tree? 
0, when thy heralds and thy priests have blown 
The golden summons to thy jubilee. 
Then shall thy altar with full incense teem, 
Thy gold again o'erstream. 
The perfect flower of peace 
Flourish, and the rich increase 
Of honor and high praise throughout the world be 

shown. 
To win thy face, thy favor to redeem, 
0, are these tears of too imperfect moan ? 



THE SUN. 

I STOOD at the birth of the primal earth. 

That her infancy bare. 
Swung by the wind, that rough nurse kind, 

In her cradle of soft-fleeced air. 
She was not the first that budded and burst 

In glory from out my side; 
Five births before I had given and yearned o'er. 

Tameless in their swift pride. 
And since from my womb, a light-woven gloom. 

Thrice a birth have I born; 
But the years wear not me ; I am fresh as the sea 

Eobed in my rainbows by morn. 

The rivers I lift and the glacier-drift 



JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 315 

On the foreheads of mountains hoar ; 
Whence their ebb's eager flow, or soft foot slow, 

Steals to ocean's crystalline floor; 
And or mighty or small, I still hear all 

The echoes their voices first woke. 
I roar in thunder ; and, flashing under. 

In lightning cleave the oak; 
While the frighted air feels weak fear, and reels 

Aghast before the stroke. 
Cloud and clear weather I weave together 

My garment pied to be. 
As in fire I glow, in water flow, 

With primal energy. 

I pass through all space ; but the wizard-place 

Is the earth of my alchemy. 
Where, a Proteus, I through a million shapes fly, 

To a million millions to be. 
The limbec of air and the dun hues there 

With my myriad essences swarm. 
As a million, yet one, done and undone, 

I pass through life's pores, and wami 
I enter and go, congeal and flow, 

Till I flit, a formless form. 

The lilies of the field, the flowers that yield 

Sweets for the hive's honeyed lip, 
The cattle on the hills, and the pasture that fills. 

Are my cunning workmanship. 
I grow the clover, whose vermeil globes over 

Drone the bees golden-girdled and blithe ; 
And I am the power, the selfsame hour. 

That swings the hungry scythe. 
The blood amain through the myriad brain 

I pour — I fashioned both, 
And the slave that feeds their innumerous needs, 

The lazy muscle loth. 



3i6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

I urge the toil of passion's turmoil 

Through the heart's feverous fane, 
As in hate I burn, in desire yearn 

"With love's warm pleasant pain. 
I glow in thought; in words I am wrought 

"With cunning speech to bind 
The sly spirit that works in the heart, and lurks 

In the many-chambered mind. 

I am life, I am death, I am breather and breath. 

Food, waste, and fuel, and flame ; 
I am born and die, follow and fly ; 

Life, death, flight, pursuit are the same. 
I am drawn and draw, I am slave and law; 

Earth and air and sea 
May struggle amain to slip — but in vain 

The chain of my energy; 
Yet earth's weakest motions, or air's, or ocean's, 

Are lord and master of me. 

I give and take, make and break, 

Recede, advance, go and come; 
I pass and turn, deaden and burn. 

Add, then draw from the sum; 
But I wax, nor wane, I lose, nor gain, 

As I lead the lagging years 
Through the zodiac round girding wide heaven's bound, 

Where, a peer among myriad peers, 
I keep firm state, as I modulate 

The music of the spheres. 



TO A LILY OF THE VALLEY. 

Fair, drooping flower, than driven snow more white, 
Meekly that rear'st thy tender, modest form. 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 317 

Content when shines the sun with glowings warm 
As when around prevail the shades of night, 
Far from thee ever stay all blasting blight 
And whatsoever hath the power to harm, 
But be thy lot to flourish long, and charm. 
The chilling winter may thee lowly smite; 
But thou shalt rise once more and gem the sod, 
Fresh as the dew that nestles in thy heart 
When gilds the eastern sky the rising morn. 
Fit emblem of the sinless Son of God, 
As humble as that lowly one thou art, 
Pure as the lamb that without spot wa^ born. 



FOETITUDE. 

Theee is no bondage to the noble mind, 

Howe'er in iron poverty hard-pent ; 

Rich in himself, in being's fee content. 

That generous soul mounts free as frolic wind, 

Whether men's hearts be hard and life unkind. 

Nor will he aught to fortune's blast relent, 

But with a purpose and a brow stern-bent 

Bear up and steer right on, until he find 

The harbor of his hope. No lowering grey 

Of leaden-hue d despair blinds that clear plan. 

In the beginning seeing the sure end. 

So through the mine's grim mouth the eye may scan 

Despite the murk of darkness where, far-kenned, 

Beam the pure stars hid by the garish day. 



THE HERMIT MINSTER. 
HiGH-TOWEEiNQ trees, the pillars rude^ 



3iB TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Support my minster of the wood, 

O'er whose broad roof, and through whose aisles, 

The many-checkering sunlight smiles; 

Far-roaming breezes fill and faint, 

As through the dim cathedral quaint 

The full-voiced choirs their anthems raise 

In tribute to their Maker's praise; 

"While fill all stops and intervals 

Sounds of far-moaning waterfalls. 



IN PEACE. 

Spring to the earth, flowers to the spring return, 

And bees to flowers, after winter hoar; 

But though our grief might fade — yet nevermore 

Must thou revisit us, howler we yearn. 

I would not coldly weigh thy worth, nor earn 

Thy meed of praise, as rich in wisdom's store; 

For now hast thou in fulness that great lore 

Toward which our highest and our holiest burn. 

Our narrow knowledge of this petty world 

Thou canst outsoar on thy expanded wings 

That sweep the highest arc of heavenly zone; 

Yet in our lives thy spirit lies impearled, 

And still with us thou dwell'st, as the light clings 

Still to a star, although the source be gone. 



ON THE TIMES. 

Spirit of liberty, how art thou fled! 
Driven out to dwell among the beasts again, 
Or in the hills, or on wide ocean's main, 
Or in the eternity of heaven. For dead 



I 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 319 

Are all those golden ancient dreams that bred 
Unrest divine in man, and generous pain. 
Now the starved heart yields to the pampered brain 
That on gold battens. We have stones for bread, 
Serpents for meat ; the gall of asps we drink, 
And conch on vilest refuse or the draff 
Of servile rags. Is there no fear with awe 
That we have lost our birthright ? Then bethink : 
We to the nations are a mock and laugh ; 
Hewers of wood are we, and water draw. 



ON THE SAME. 

A JEALOUS honor of the public good, 

A generous envy, a consuming zeal. 

Are things which well befit those breasts to feel 

Who ever like the rock have firmly stood 

Against the torrent, when an evil flood 

Hath swept above the submerged commonweal. 

And the fair champaign hastes in wreck to seal. 

Leaving a base and reptile-swarming mud. 

What souls are theirs, who batten on the filth 

Themselves have spewed, who make the state their boot, 

And like the vulture hasten to the prey, 

Eating the vitals of their kind ! The tilth 

Of error brings not forth a righteous fruit, 

Briars and brambles rather — such as they. 



ON THE EUSSIAN MASSACRES. 

Stainless art thou and pure, Liberty ! 
Whether among the mountains be thy home. 
Thy haunts beloved of old, or whether roam 



320 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 

Thy holy footsteps o'er the untraced sea ; 

Loved in all climes ! where thou the unyoked may'st see, 

Or dregs of mankind trod in blood and foam, 

The winepress of God's wrath, which those, who come 

To bind and slave, wring with unholy glee. 

And drink. They who endured the whips of hate, 

Who bore oppression's load, who felt the smart, 

And rather than in bondage that they stood, 

Which eats the soul as iron, soon and late, 

Fell unto death, loving that better part, 

Are these. earth, cover not thou their blood I 



THE FAIREST ROSE. 

In a garden of roses, 
The fairest rose 

For one, one only. 
Her beauty shows. 

My heart is the garden, 
And thou the rose; 

For me, me only 
Thy beauty shows. 

The rose in the garden 

Ever blows; 
In my heart bloom ever, 

fairest rose! 



FALSE OR TRUE. 

Would that my heart were false as yours, 
Or yours were true as mine ; 



TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 3^1 

Then life were joy; nor I at least 
For your sweet want should pine. 

0, what in comfort may I find, 

Or what from pleasure borrow ? 
Now in a gloomy room, apart, 

I sit, and sup with sorrow. 

For since my life has been o'ercast, 

Nor thy star gleams to follow. 
Every woman's face is false, 

Every heart is hollow. 



MY LOVE IS YOUNG. 

Flowees that show in spring 

Are fairest. 
Time that's on the wing 

Is rarest. 
All things by their season 

Best seasoned are. 
Love is best, when reason 

And beauty square. 

My love is young. 

Youth is still the prime 

For warm delights; 
Age the frosty time 

Of colder sleights. 
Summer fruits do grow 

With age the strongest; 
Only love doth show 

Ripest when youngest. 

My love is young. 



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